McConnell Medics return from Guatemala

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Colby L. Hardin
  • 22nd Air Refuelnig Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  Six Airmen from the 22nd Medical Group traveled to Zacapa, Guatemala from April 19 to May 3, and partnered with the Guatemalan army to provide medical care and humanitarian assistance.

Four dental and two flight medicine personnel members completed a medical readiness training exercise where they performed routine checkups on approximately 1,500 citizens.

After being in a different country, the medics came back with different views on their jobs.

"Part of it was being able to work jointly with different services and another country's military," said Capt. Dwayne Gentry, 22nd Aerospace Medicine Squadron general dentist. "We created connections with other people who we normally couldn't connect with."

Some patients were receiving medical care for the first time in their lives. The Airmen averaged about 170 patients per day.

"For some people, it was the first time in their lives that they could see the world clearly," said Senior Airman Tanis Anderson, 22nd AMDS aerospace medicine technician. "When they put on new glasses, instantly their eyes light up like a kid on Christmas"

Despite working long days, the Airmen said they Received personal satisfaction knowing their work was appreciated.

The temporary duty assignment gave Airmen work experience they would not be able to gain at their home station clinic.

"You could see the direct impact of what you were doing compared to working at home station," said Staff Sgt. Amanda Gidaly, 22nd AMDS clinical element NCO in charge. "They trusted us treating them even if they had no clue if our intentions were good or bad. Many of them sensed we were there to help."

"Initially, I was worried," said Anderson. "I didn't know what I was getting myself into, but I would do it all over in a heartbeat."