Spring 2005 AANGFS AFRFSA 1

Alliance of Air National Guard Flight Surgeons &

Air Force Reserve Flight Surgeons’ Association

Volume 17, Issue 1 Published by the AANGFS/AFRFSA and on website: www.aangfs.com Spring 2005

In this issue AANGFS President Col Kirk Martin

2

MA /SGO BGen Lance Chu

3

Flight Surgeon Course 3

AANGFS Editor Col William Pond

3

AANGFS Officers & Publisher’s Information

4

Spicy Shrimp Col Randall Falk

4

AFRFSA President Col Thomas Selvaggi

5

AFRFSA Editor BGen Chuck O’Toole

5

22nd Air Force Col George Bondar

6

ANGMS Reunion Maj John Kirk

6

AF Career in Review Col Tom Dolnicek

7

Letters to the Editor Dolnicek, Harmon, Falk, Guerdan, O’Toole, Pond

8

Credibility Col Reid Muller

9

Expeditionary Medicine Col Bruce Guerdan

10

Readiness Frontiers Info Membership Application

11

AFRFSA Social Event 12

Future Meetings 12

A Cultural Shift This ain’t your grandfather’s (or grand-mother’s) Air National Guard! When I was commissioned over 30 years ago the Guard had not been mobilized for Viet Nam. It was called upon briefly for service in the Gulf War in 1990-91, but in the early years of this millennium the Air National Guard has become much more than a “force in reserve” and has become a full par-ticipant in the Air Expeditionary Force rotation We are becoming more adjusted to the concept of training during the UTA weekend and less m a r r i e d u p t o “physicals” and a “sick call” mentality. We are beginning to convince ANG Wing Commanders that the medical group is tasked to ensure the overall fitness of the unit but primarily is tasked to train for the AEF rotation and the Homeland Security mission. We tend to think of the Med Group as a satellite unit or even a GSU! In that light, we find ourselves in significant need of “critical” medical specialties. We need to be able to serve in UTC’s that provide trauma and critical care in the AEF, and to provide a basic cadre of Force Protection for the supported Wing. We may even partner with the Active Duty AF Medical Service to meet our recruiting needs for these critical medical specialties. The medics have been recognized by General John Jumper, USAF Chief of Staff, as a proto-type of the “expeditionary” mindset with a light, lean, modular footprint ready to deploy and em-ploy on short notice. We continue to skate to where the puck is going to be; let’s keep it that way and keep everyone else chasing us. Gerry Harmon Major General, ANG Asst/USAF SG 29 March 2005

My Thoughts Ray Webster BGen, ANG Asst/ACC Transformation and Transition. Those seem to be tied together these days for the Active Air Force and the Air National Guard. Our senior leadership in the Air Force is transitioning with many projected retire-ments of our four star leaders during 2005, while we see promotions for their succes-sors tied up in the political penalty box sur-rounding the Tanker Lease fallout. Amidst this is allocation of defense dollars and where the Active Air Force and ultimately the ANG will see weapons systems de-ployed, or perhaps not deployed. Against this background looms the upcoming BRAC and on its heels the Quadrennial Defense Review. In the meantime we have a War on Terrorism to fight abroad while shoring up our homeland defense posture. At the unit level, are asking our medics to get their wing and their medical groups ready for AEF's, Regional Exercises, taking care of the wing, preparing for HSI's and recruiting 'shrimp'. Our air evacuation units are simply 'on the go' deploying to the theatre to fly missions or reconstituting at home usually while un (continued on page 2)

Here's my strategy on the Cold War: We win, they lose." - Ronald Reagan

Kirk Martin, thanks for another great photo!! FL fighter over Cape with the VAB background.

Spring 2005 AANGFS AFRFSA 2

THE PRESIDENT’S COCKPIT Col J. Kirk Martin Education is a special interest item (SII) for the Alliance of Air National Guard Flight Surgeons. In the cur-rent era of way too much to do and nowhere near enough time to accomplish it on UTA weekends, readily available training fills a critical need. Over the past several years, the Alliance Educational Program has pre-sented Flight Surgeon Readiness Skills Verification (RSV) training in conjunction with the ANG/SG spring meeting. Again this year, at the ANG Readiness Frontiers 05 Meeting in Snowbird, Utah, the Alliance has assembled an outstanding program on Friday 3 June 2005 to provide all Flight Sur-geon RSV’s, along with documentation to take back to your Medical Group. CD’s containing the 2004 and 2005 programs will be available to members unable to attend the meeting. Article II of the Alliance Constitution defines one of the primary Purpose and Functions of the Alliance, “To encourage and implement the training and continuing education of all members of the Air National Guard and the United States Air Force Medical Team.” Further, the Constitution continues, “To encourage members to develop the highest standards of practice of Aerospace Medicine and its related fields.” I am extremely proud of the Alliance Program Committee, chaired by Col Reid Mueller and Lt Col Ralph Warren. Their vision and hard work has clearly raised the education bar. Last year, the American Heart Association Advanced Cardiac Life Support Course (ACLS) was of-fered for the first time. Almost a decade ago, in 1995-96, the ANG began to discuss requiring ATLS for ANG Flight Surgeons. Wide scale training was limited by the cost and

curriculum requirements. After much hard work, this year the American College of Surgeons Advanced Trauma Life Support Course (ATLS) will be offered for the first time, and we anticipate training some 64 flight surgeons. The course will be taught by a combination of ANG instructors and faculty members from the Utah Committee on Trauma. ATLS has long been recognized as the best available off-

the-shelf preparation for initial trauma management, applicable to combat operations or domestic terrorism. The ATLS Course will be utilizing the new 7th Edition Course Manual (2004). An ACLS course will again be offered, and we anticipate training 50 physicians. Also this year, an Advanced Burn Life Support Course (ABLS) will be taught. I remember taking ABLS during the ANG Operation Arch Angel in St. Louis in 1995. CME credits for all of these courses and the RSV lectures will be awarded. The courses are made avail-able at minimal cost and rolled into the Readiness Frontiers meeting to maxi-mize the ratio of benefit for time in-vested. Working with ANG/SG, the

Alliance has contributed to an outstanding program at Readiness Frontiers 05. The Alliance banquet will be held 3 June 2005. The banquet meets another Constitutional Purpose, “To strengthen the sense of comrade and social exchange be-tween the membership…”. Encourage new flight surgeons to join the Alliance. It is working “to continue the advancement and develop-ment of the art and science of aerospace medicine throughout the Air National Guard” as we adapt to new missions and requirements“. The Alliance is committed to training smarter and better.

Keep ‘Em Flying. Blade

dergoing some sort of inspection. A short way of saying we have a lot go-ing on against a very interesting politi-cal backdrop in time of war. A chal-lenge for all of us, yet we see our ANG Medical Service folks doing their part in each of these areas and doing it in splendid fashion. At ACC, we are working hard to make sure our ANG Medical Assets are written into the various deployment packages (MEFPAK's) that support the 'away game', that is, the AEF. We are having the opportunity to provide feed-back on EMEDS and how it might be improved. In addition we are working with Northern Command to delineate

requirements and the various pack-ages to support Homeland Defense, the 'home game'. This also means working with the folks at Alpena and the Air Surgeons office to ensure our ANG medics are receiving the same training as our Active and Reserve counterparts with the same equipment and training platform, and that the training is appropriately recognized. The CERF-P mission has proven to be a challenge, yet is a way for us to inte-grate and preserve medical assets and use them in our Homeland Defense mission. I'm confident, we will get the Army-Air training differences appropri-ately worked out-that comes with our National Guard having a joint force focus.

The total force concept be-comes more apparent from where I sit. Our ANG forces, specifically medical forces and skills, are needed now more than ever and will be going for-ward. The personnel and skills going forward are going to take on a more critical care focus and a change in how we recruit and train. Lets keep up the splendid work of juggling all the balls we have in the air during this crucial time of Transformation and Transition. (Congratulations to the new 1AF (at Tyndall) SGP, Colonel Andy Huff from Nellis who follows Col Steve Holt who has PCS'd to Aviano as the Medical Group Commander. Colonel Huff will work closely with the Air Sur-geon and with ACC/SG.)

(Webster continued from page 1)

Spring 2005 AANGFS AFRFSA 3

AROUND THE MA WORLD By Brig Gen Lance Chu

MA AF/SGO

MA AF/SGO works directly for HQ AF/ SGO, currently Maj Gen Joseph Kelly who is the operational director for Air Force Medical Operations. SGO covers a broad spectrum of peacetime and deployed healthcare activities for the Air Force Medical Service. The Mobilization Assistant’s (MA) responsibilities are to stay in touch with relevant issues/concerns and accomplish taskings assigned by my boss. The main focus during the Spring months is to develop a number of programs for this year’s AMSUS meeting in Nashville, TN. As MA, I will chair the Air Force Plenary Session for the Air Force Surgeon General. The Navy is the overall host of AMSUS 2005 and their chosen theme is “Joint Interoperability” We are seeking presenters for the program at current time. If you are inter-ested in presenting a topic, please contact me ASAP at Robert “Lance” Chu Mobilization Assistant to Assistant SG for Health Operations Robert.Chu@pentagon.af.mil

Congratulations to Briga-dier General Lance Chu on a recent and well-deserved promotion

FLIGHT SURGEON SUSTAINMENT COURSE

The annual reserve Flight Sur-geon Sustainment course was held 21 -25 March at the Crown Plaza hotel in Atlanta. The course director was Major Rebecca Reynolds, ARPC/SGP. Major Reynolds was course director for the second year

and put together an outstanding pro-gram. The program included active duty, ART and re-serve experts on a variety of topics. A good representation of current deploy-ment medicine as being practiced in OIF was presented. Presentations by Air Staff were also

made on where Air Force medicine is go-ing and what will be needed in the future. A good emphasis on areas that most re-serve flight surgeons do not get to perform every day was also present, including pre-ventive medicine in the deployed environ-ment, occupational medicine overview, water and food vulnerability assessments, travel medicine, CSARs, and medical in-telligence. A number of senior medical officers attended and did presentations on personal development and career progres-sion. The program is designed for flight surgeons to complete a large number of their RSVs by attending this course. It is sponsored by the AFRC/SG and supported by the AFRFSA. The program has been an annual course, scheduled each spring with reserve flight surgeons encouraged to at-tend at least every three years. It is open to all ARC flight surgeons including mem-bers of the Air National Guard. If you have not attended recently, you are

strongly encouraged to attend in the near future. Watch for announcements this next winter and spring for the next program. Questions about the program and next year’s timing can usually be answered thru AFRC/SGP as the course draws near each spring.

A fine looking group of flight surgeons AFRC and ANG

From the AANGFS Editor Thanks to the many authors who have made this a continued re-sounding success, and to my good friend and co-editor, Chuck O’Toole. For you budding authors, dust off the brain, loosen the tongue and sharpen the pencils for contribu-tions to the next issue due 1 September 2005. Readiness Frontiers looks to be an outstanding training opportunity with thanks to Randy Falk, Reid Mul-ler and of course to Ralph Warren.

Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with those deployed to harm’s way and to their families, espe-cially Bruce Guerdan, as an out-

standing deployed med group com-mander. Eric Kendle—outstanding for 500+ flight surgeon fighter hours. Me, I hope to be back from SW Asia to teach the Aeromedical Evacuation for Readiness Frontiers. Sounds like commander My deployed Commander, Col. Sean Murphy is right on top of things and is an excel-lent colleague. Be Safe and hope to see you soon, my friends—Bill Pond, editor

Lt Col Cowan dis-cusses Public Health issues in Iraq

Spring 2005 AANGFS AFRFSA 4

SPICY SHRIMP SALADS

Colleagues and friends in the ANGMS: Transformation is a complex chal-

lenge, but medics are taking the lead in the ANG. More than any other endeavor in the Air National Guard, we are looking to the future and acting NOW. After many years of doing more of what we had no mission to do, we are now concentrating on the real wartime mission – that job which the Air Force and Congress pay us to do. We’re serious this time. The active component of the Air Force Medical Service will, over the next few years, shrink to one-half of the size it was when I first donned the blue uniform in 1983. Direct medical care in the active component world is rapidly mov-ing onto the Tricare train downtown, and Homeland Defense/EMEDS is the mountain we must climb. EMEDS is the light, lean, highly capable, easily transportable platform which will drive our training and our mission at home and in the overseas theater. The necessary skill sets and operational training requirements of the EMEDS will invade every aspect of the ANGMS. EMEDS is the medical node of the CERFP…and most of this node is blue! Kan-sas has bought the first EMEDS package. Other states will follow.

Challenges abound --- realistic train-

ing, dedicated time to train, integration into community medical centers, partnership with civilian responders, recruiting the “spicy shrimp” (critical care specialists), balancing Guard life with civilian commitments…can we ever get there??!!! Yes, and we MUST!!! This is not the old ambulatory, doc-in-a-box mission. The very lives of our deployed sons and daughters depend on it!!! The bar is high -

-- if a wounded soldier reaches the first echelon of medical care in the AOR today, he/she has a 95% chance of survival…UNPRECEDENTED IN THE HISTORY OF WARFARE!! As the ANGMS becomes more involved in the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT), we absolutely cannot accept anything less!!!!!!!!!!

Over the coming years, training will be more focused on the EMEDS skills. We will continue to provide the first-rate deploy-ment support that our wings deserve, but we will no longer be the Marcus Welby sick-call facilities of old. If you’re not getting your RCPHAs done by Noon on Saturday UTA, you are behind the power curve. We are developing and implementing a 5-year training cycle which will ensure that the right skills are being trained and that our community/regional partners un-derstand what tremendous capability we bring to them. Change is difficult, but we finally need to stop doing things that add no value to the mission and things that are medically ill-advised. Start concentrating on the capabilities we have committed to the fight. We’ll talk more and see more of how this will unfold at Readiness Frontiers 2005 at Spectacular Snow-bird!!! Readiness Frontiers…HOPE YOU’RE COMING EN MASSE…formal EMEDS train-ing, regional EMEDS-based disaster exercises,

home station developmental training (HSDT), and the AEF-bucket/humanitarian/OSAT/state-to-state partnership/good deal-fun training are all crucial elements of the centralized training plan!!! Now we are in the midst of a HITECH course and State Air Surgeon seminar at the beautifully renovated ANG Readiness Center.

Yes, we’re hearing what’s good, bad and ugly…and WE ARE LISTENING CARE-FULLY!!!! If your health technicians have-n’t attended HITECH, they are missing the best learning and networking opportunity in the Guard!!! What a great time to be in the ANGMS!!!!! I hope the enthusiasm is con-tagious and that Readiness Frontiers 2005 will be the smashing success I anticipate both for the Alliance and for the entire medical service!!!! Generals James (NGB/CF), Taylor (AF/SG), Carlton (AF/SG re-tired), Bunting (TAG-KS), and the world-

renowned Harvard Medical International disas-ter training professionals will join FEMA, the University of Utah, our spectacular ANG/SG staff and the AANGFS leadership in presenting this landmark event!!

Colonel Chip Riggins, the current

Texas Air Surgeon and member of the AANGFS, begins phase two of the Residency in Aerospace Medicine (RAM) this June. Chipper will be with us at Readiness Frontiers as he begins his STAT tour and prepares to take the reins as ANG/SG in August 2006. Mean-while, we have lots of things to do and moun-tains to climb!!!! I continue to feel privileged and excited to be your Air Surgeon as we be-come an ever more vibrant force…ready, reli-able, and relevant…needed NOW and in the future!!!

Rmf

• Articles and announcements for the next newsletter should be submitted by 1 September 2005 (but I will be happy to accept them anytime before then.)

• Once again, authors, thanks for the great contributions—WWP, editor)

Alliance Officers

President: Col Kirk Martin, FLANG 8489 Stables Road Jacksonville, FL 32256

Email: eagledoc@bellsouth.net Vice-President: LtCol Brett Wyrick, HIANG 1155 Waialeale Place Hilo, HI 96720 Email Fightrsurg@aol.com Treasurer: Chip Riggins, TXANG 28826 Kalkallo Dr. Fair Oaks, Ranch, TX 78015 Email: Chip.Riggins@dshs.state.tx.us Secretary: Col William Pond, INANG 5730 Autumn Woods Trail Fort Wayne, IN 46835

Email: wwpond@aol.com Newsletter Editor: Col William Pond, INANG 5730 Autumn Woods Trail Fort Wayne, IN 46835

Email: wwpond@aol.com Program Committee: Col Reid Muller & Col Ralph Warren Education Committee: Col Ralph Warren Historian: LtCol Brett Wyrick Web site: Col Reid Muller

Alliance of ANG Flight Surgeons Air Force Reserve Flight Surgeons

The newsletter is published two or three times annually. Articles for inclusion are solic-ited from members and guest authors. Material for publication can be sent to: Col William W. Pond 5730 Autumn Woods Trail Fort Wayne, IN 46835 Email: wwpond@aol.com Viewpoints expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent official positions of the Alliance, the Air National Guard, the United States Air Force, or the Department of Defense. Letters may be edited for grammar, spelling or length, but not content. William W. Pond (WWP) Editor and Publisher

BGen Charles O’Toole 1102 Holiday Court Granbury, TX 76048 Email: Chuck@itexas.net

Spicy Shrimp and Golden Eggs—Just the right Recipe!!

Spring 2005 AANGFS AFRFSA 5

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT ASSOCIATION OF AIR FORCE RESERVE FLIGHT SUR-

GEONS

Another year of deployments and readiness issues are upon us. I hope everyone is staying up to the challenge. This past AMSUS was very successful! Col Mike Torres and Col Bill Hurd put together an excellent conference, with very notable speakers. Also during this past AMSUS, the Board of Governors for the Association met, with special input from BGen Chuck O’Toole. In addition, Denys Collins, the husband of Col. Baltazara Lo-tuaco, trained us on the website, expanding our horizons and our ability to communicate and serve our members. We covered many topics during the General Membership meet-ing held on November 17, 2004. First of all, we gave our appre-ciation to Col B. Lotuaco and her husband for their work on the website, Col Mike Torres and Col Bill Hurd for their excellent program during AMSUS, and to BGen Chuck O’Toole for his hard work on the newsletter: his diligence to obtaining timely information, getting reports from the officers, and tracking down members to keep in contact with them. Next, we confirmed several appointments. Due to the cancella-tion of AMSUS 2001, and other fall-out, some of the officers had to be appointed IAW the By-Laws. The General Membership (and the Board of Governors) con-firmed the following appointments: Col Mike Torres as President-Elect/Educational Chairman, Col Mike Jones as Secretary, and Col Baltazara Lotuaco as Treasurer. Col Andy Burkins remains the By-Laws Committee Chairman, BGen Lance Chu remains both the Awards and Social Com-mittee Chairman, Col Bill Thornton and Col Mike Torres head the AAFRFS Logo Special Committee, Col Baltazara Lotuaco and her husband Denys Collins head the Web-master Special Committee, BGen Chuck O’Toole heads the Flight Surgeon Manual Special Committee, and Col Andy Burk-

ins and Col Mike Torres head the Flight Surgeon Sustainment Course Special Committee. We also discussed an extremely important topic next: the elec-tion of new officers. We asked for nominations for the position of President Elect/Educational Chairperson and Treasurer. We encouraged members not only to nominate others, but also to nominate themselves if they have an interest in serving the Asso-ciation. Nominations to date: -President: Col Bill Hurd Col Mike Jones -Treasurer: Col B. Lotuaco I am asking you, the members of the Association to nominate anyone who you feel would be a good President or Treasurer. If you, yourself, have an interest in serving, please nominate your-self (send to BGen Chuck O’Toole via regular mail or via inter-net: chuck@itexas.net ) so we may get you on the ballot. We had reports from the other committee Chairmen. Hopefully, many of you attended the Flight Surgeon Sustainment course and found it useful. Please give any appropriate feedback so we may improve the course. To those of you deploying: Godspeed on your journey, and may be successful in helping as many as possible.

I hope you will take the time to visit our website: www.flightsurgeons.us If you have any suggestions, comments, or other feedback, please feel free to contact me at my home e-mail: texanfs@koyote.com Respectfully,

THOMAS C. SELVAGGI, Colonel, USAFR, MC, FS President Association of Air Force Reserve Flight Surgeons

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK By BG Chuck O’Toole

All has been fairly quite as of late. We have had a number of retirements from the association in-cluding BG T. Turlington and Col L. Allen just to mention a few. These were key contributors to the asso-ciation. We still need up and coming members to step forward to fill the void left by these members. I would still like to call on members to step forward to help make our newsletter a success. I still have to brow beat folks every issue to get copy for the newsletter and this should not be. Also we are in the process of a review and publishing a new issue of the Reserve Flight Surgeon’s Handbook. At AMSUS I had a large number of folks who volunteered to help review and edit the handbook. I have sent out notices for review call and have received exactly one reply. If you are interested in helping put out the next issue by reviewing and updating a section of the handbook please contact me on my military or civilian emails

(charles.o’toole@langley.af.mil or chuck@itexas.net). Your help is sorely needed. I am hoping to have the new edition out by AM-SUS this year. Please give us your feedback. We are interested in you opinion and needs. Please visit our web page at www.flightsurgeons.us/index.html. A copy of the Reserve Flight Surgeon’s Manual is posted there. Keep up the fine job you are all doing out there in the reserves. I here time and again how critical your contributions are to the “total” force capability.

Spring 2005 AANGFS AFRFSA 6

22AF/SG Col. George Bondar Chief, Medical Division Greetings from 22 AF/SG, It has been a year since I have taken over the reigns of the 22 AF/SG Medical Divi-sion and I have been remiss in not ac-knowledging my predecessor, Col. Mike Torres. Mike and his staff took the visibil-ity of 22 AF to new levels. He is a true champion and advocate for the medical and readiness needs of the 22AF’s con-stituent wings. Col Torres is a tough act to follow! Col. Sue Donahey, 22 AF/SGP, will soon be leaving us to join Mike at his new com-mand at Andrews AFB. Sue has been inte-gral in providing timely and innovative counsel to 22 AF medical units. We wish you the best…Fly Safe…Check Six! I would like to extend my congratulations

to the 94th ASTS, 514th ASTS, and the 315th AMDS for passing and enduring their recent HSI’s. Our fellow flight sur-geons, at all levels of responsibility, were truly instrumental in these successes; espe-cially during this period of high “ops tempo”. The 22 AF is still quite active in providing C-130 airlift for OIF/OEF and not all of the squadrons have completed two years of activation. This fact has placed great strain on our SME flight surgeon assets. Volun-teers for 28 day rotations are greatly needed to fill in some of the deficiencies. I would at this time like to extend my gratitude and convey my respect to our fellow 22nd AF flight surgeons who have been activated and/or have volunteered for duty in the AOR. You have all sacrificed a lot! Of note, Colonels Jorge Lambes and Keith Kulow have been activated for more than 240 days over the last two years. These two “docs” have a wealth of knowledge, and their wisdom and counsel cannot be overlooked.

Post deployment, Line of Duty (LOD) determinations have become contentious issues. Unfortunately, our basic flight sur-geon course at the schoolhouse doe not stress this aspect of ANG/Reserve medi-cine. I urge all of you to meticulously document the medical record and properly complete the LOD so that the Reserve/ANG airmen that we serve get complete consideration for the benefits they rightly deserve. I would like to briefly introduce myself. I am a dermatologic and Moh’s micro-graphic skin cancer surgeon who practices in Spokane, Washington. My board certifi-cations are in preventive medicine, family practice and dermatology. My experience is mainly operational and within the C-130 airlift community. During the February 2003-February 2004 time period I was activated as the deployed SME flight sur-geon with the 328th AS, Niagara Falls ARB, NY. I welcome all input and enquiries and look forward to meeting you all!

AIR NATIONAL GUARD MEDICAL SERVICES REUNION

ALPENA, MICHIGAN 1. The staff members of the ANG Medical Readiness Training Site are sponsoring a re-union for members of the Air National Guard Medical Service (ANGMS) on Saturday, 25 June 2005 in Alpena, Michigan. The one-day event will be hosted by Major General Dennis Higdon (Former ANG Assistant to USAF/SG) to provide an opportunity for the Weaver Society Board of Directors and distinguished members of the ANGMS to preview the SCPS-M Museum and Repository dedicated to Dr. James D. Weaver. 2. Lieutenant General John Conaway (Former Chief of the National Guard Bureau) and Major General Jim Whinnery (Former ANG Assistant to the USAF/SG) have all tentatively accepted invitations to speak to the group. Additionally, participants will be given a tour of the Museum, the Field Train-ing Site and the 25-Bed Expeditionary Medi-cal Support System. Displays will include the items donated by retired members of the ANGMS. There will also be many opportuni-ties for socializing and reminiscing. Dr. Higdon has asked that attire for the entire event be business casual (shirt with open col-lar and jacket). 3. The plan is to have the event start at ap-

proximately 0900 on Saturday, 25 June 2005 and conclude after dinner that evening. Peo-ple should plan to travel in on Friday, 24 June 2005 and out on Sunday, 26 June 2005. 4. Transportation will be coordinated by the Alpena staff members. A contract bus will be provided from the Detroit Metropolitan Air-port (DTW) to Alpena and return if there is enough interest. The bus will stop at the ½ way mark for dinner in Frankenmuth. This is home of Bronner’s, Christmas Around the World Store, which is very popular. Their homepage is located at: http:/ /www.bronners.com/. The contract bus from Detroit to Alpena and return will be approxi-mately $50.00 depending on how many peo-ple sign up. 5. The Alpena staff members will provide shuttles to and from the hotels and billeting. Otherwise, people should plan in advance to fly into Alpena (APN). Other Airports are Saginaw (MBS) which is 3 hours South and Traverse City (TVC) which is 3 hours West of Alpena. You will need to arrange for a rental car if you use these airports. 6. For hotel accommodations, we have blocked off 50 Rooms at the Holiday Inn in Alpena for Friday 24 June thru Sunday, 26 June 2005. The telephone number is (989) 356-2151. Reservations must be made prior to Wednesday, 25 May 2005.

7. The cost of the reunion will be $25.00 per person to cover the expense of a continental breakfast, a light lunch and a barbeque dinner held at the River Club on base. Souvenirs will also be provided. Make checks payable to MRTS and send to 5448 A Street Alpena, Michigan 49707-8125 no later than Sunday, 1 May 2005. 8. Feel free to forward this registration infor-mation to any and all current, retired and prior members of the Air National Guard Medical Services. For more information contact Major John Kirk in Alpena at (989) 354-6305 or by e-mail at john.kirk@micrtc.ang.af.mil John, thanks for your diligence and dedica-tion; we appreciate your service—WWP, ed.

Doc Weaver interviewed at home by Maj John Kirk

Spring 2005 AANGFS AFRFSA 7

AN AIR FORCE CAREER IN THE REAR VIEW MIRROR As I retire after almost 35 years of service I have a few thoughts to share about my Air Force career. It’s been a great ride with war service as a bookend on each side – Vietnam as a young lieutenant, the Balkans/Iraq at the end. I’ve enjoyed service on active duty for four years, the Air Force Reserve for one year, the rest with the Air National Guard. I’ve served with the line as an aircraft maintenance of-ficer, with the professional corps as a physician, and as a rated officer/flight surgeon. I’ve worn fa-tigues-olive green, camouflage, and desert, khakis (1505’s) blues, flight suits, wheel hats, baseball caps, the service hat, helmets, g-suits, and chem. warfare gear. And loved them all! My career spent in all three branches of the Air Force and all three functional areas - line, professional, flying – has been a fortunate big-time plus. I have been able to understand the culture, training, vision, and unique dynamics of each. As a result I have helped bridge some gaps, facilitate understanding and communication between the groups, and promote resolution of issues. Similar career duty in all such functional areas would seem invaluable to anyone aspiring to command. Without doubt, the greatest change I’ve encountered in my service time is the change to a digital age with AIMWITS, PIMR, PEPP, etc. Gone are the cumbersome days of the entire medical record being mailed to ANGRC – to disappear for months while anxious service members and providers awaited news, any news, about the fate of the individual. This major change is a real plus to customer service to our Guardsmen. A close second for greatest change is the downsizing from an ATH to the more mo-bile, smaller “footprint” of the Air Force Medical Service today. My WORST career experience is unquestionably the low repute that the American public held for the military in the 1970’s. A low point for me personally was returning from wartime duty in Southeast Asia in 1973 and changing from my military uniform to civilian clothing at the USO in the San Fran-cisco airport to sneak home so no one would know I was in the military. How much better it is now with military service respected and admired.

The BEST aspect of my military career has been the people I’ve served with – the “greasies” on the flightline, warriors in Southeast Asia, talented doc-tors, nurses, and health care professionals in the medical service, and the outstanding aircrew who fly the missions in peace and war. All of them are dedicated patriots who represent the BEST of our country. Some “words of wisdom” for those who continue to serve: 1) Praise, em-power, and mentor your people - they will constantly exceed your expecta-tions. 2) Retire before you are asked to retire – your replacement will do well when given the chance. 3) Consciously enjoy your career along the way – your fini-flight comes much faster than you can imagine. Thanks for this chance to write one last article. Thanks for your service to

our country. Thanks for the opportunity to serve with you. I hope our flight paths cross again.

Tom Dolnicek, Col, SFS State Air Surgeon, Nebraska

Spring 2005 AANGFS AFRFSA 8

Friends, After almost 35 years, February UTA was my last in the ANG, retirement in April. (Can't believe it went so fast, I just took off my butter bar, it seems!) I just want to say thanks to all of you for what you all have provided me during my ANG career. I've thoroughly en-joyed my time working with all of you in the Society of State Air Surgeons, PAT groups, shooting the bull, fighting the good fight, hoisting the beers, and serving our Guard and country. I value your friendship, I will miss serving with you, and I wish you all the best and Godspeed. I hope our paths cross again. You truly represent, to me, the best our country and Medical Service has to offer. Tom Dolnicek SAS Nebraska _______________________________ Tom: Let's make sure our paths continue to stay connected and cross often. Thank YOU for all that you have done, Doctor. As you note, 30 years pass quickly, don’t they? You have always been a fine officer and a gentleman. v/r,

Gerry Harmon Gerald E. Harmon, Maj Gen, MC, CFS ANG Asst, USAF/SG __________________________________ Tom, CONGRATUALTIONS ON A LIFE-LONG SERVICE-TO-THE-COUNTRY CAREER...and an opportunity to relax now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We will all certainly miss having you aboard, but I sure hope you will join us now and then for a meeting or pop by if you have the occasion to be in Washington. Please keep in touch!! Your contributions have been outstanding, and we all wish you the best as you transition to the next chapter!!!!!!!!!!!! randy RANDALL M. FALK, MD, MPH Colonel, USAF, MC, CFS The Air Surgeon Director, Medical Services, ANG

Col Larry Allen Retires By Chuck O’Toole

Col Larry Allen, commander of the 917th MDS at Barksdale, recently re-tired. Col Allen was an important part of the AFRFSA. He was a charter member and served a long stint as president. He is the master mind and editor behind the Re-serve Flight Surgeon’s Handbook that many of you have. He had a long and dis-tinguished career. We will not attempt to highlight it in entirety but including start-ing his career as a graduate of the Air Force Academy. He additionally served as 10th AF/ SG prior to returning to his home base of Shreveport to command the 917th MDS. Col Allen is wished the best in his retirement. He will be sorely missed both by the Air Force Reserve and by the Asso-ciation. Included is a picture of the Asso-ciation’s presentation to Col Allen at his home unit of the 917th MDS.

“Good Luck and smooth flying, Larry”

Joint Task Force Surgeons

Course Colonel Bruce Guerdan, MC, SFS

Commander 171st MDG

I recently had the opportunity to attend the annual JTF Surgeons Course at the Joint Forces Staff College. This one week con-ference includes medics from all three services and all corps. The graduates are placed in the pool of officers authorized to serve as JTF Surgeons. This course is a good primer on the other services and their “speak” It includes a tabletop exercise where the students develop a Joint TPFFD. The course would be valuable if you are deploying into a joint operation as well if you want to serve as a JTF Surgeon.

My 2 Cents:

Military physicians especially those in the Guard are patriotic, skilled and sacrificing. As active duty is less able to supply the numbers of critical care physi-

cians whom the military needs, efforts must be made to recruit from the civilian medical community. We will be successful if we adapt recruiting and retention to-wards the needs of those whom we wish to attract. E.g., my home state of Indiana meets the needs of the younger troops by providing tuition assistance at state universities; many sharp young men and women have been recruited, and many stay after their commitment is completed. In the same manner the Air Force must offer something of value to attract physicians who have already completed college (at the top of their class) medical school, residency, board certification and ongoing competence.. What is one thing that the Air Force may offer? Flying. Every effort must be made at home and in-theater to facilitate flying and to avoid the percep-tion that some flight surgeons are not being allowed to fly even when the need for their services and the probability of operational decrement is low. In many other areas, possible decrement in mission function versus morale is balanced at a general officer level and the op-erational level, e.g. soldiers are allowed (and en-couraged) to play basketball and volleyball knowing the risk of debility Why?--morale. A member is allowed to return home for a funeral. Why?--morale. The base commander flies in combat. Why?--morale (and leadership) If one of the few (low cost) en-ticements that we can offer physicians in the Air Force is the ability to fly, the should we not make this a clear, priority policy from the highest levels? Col William W. Pond, MD, MC, SFS Commander 122 MDG, INANG

LTC Eric Kendle proudly displays viper 500 hour patch

Spring 2005 AANGFS AFRFSA 9

CREDIBILITY What is credibility? Credibility is our ability to effectively engage with our fellow Air Guard and Air Force Officers as we wage the GWOT and work to shape and prepare the future total force. To en-sure our voice is heard, and that we can maintain the mission relevance and engagement we seek, we must achieve a level of credibility that states, “Hey this guy knows what he/she is talking about; he/she understands the mission.” How do we achieve that? First, we must work to develop a culture within ourselves that says medical competence alone is not enough. Sure, we are all competent physicians and flight surgeons; but that does not make us compe-tent leaders and commanders, just as being a competent pilot does not make you a competent Wing Commander or OG. We must seek out and obtain the training and skill sets that will develop us into

competent commanders and leaders. If we do not, we can be sure that others will, and we will not gain the credibility we need.

Let’s start with PME. Most of now realize that Colonel will not be on the horizon without Senior Service School (Air War College or its equivalent). But why does it start with AWC? Is there some fundamental reason we as physicians can’t also consider courses like ACSC and SOS? Do we really think that we are that much different or more special than many of our fellow Guardsmen of the line who can’t advance without them? Don’t think for a minute that they don’t have to juggle busy careers, families, and myriad other responsibilities as we do. And, lest the “I had to go through med school and residency” argument take hold, look around at your line compatriots and see how many of them have also worked hard to obtain advanced degrees and certifications. Our “specialness” derives only from the fact we receive our commissions directly. From there on, we should strive to obtain the same level of professional training and competency as Air Force officers as our fellow line officers must do.

Let’s move on to professional development. How many of us have taken the time to attend ILS (Intermediate Leader Seminar) or now CDC (Commander Development Course). Now that the AF and ANG leadership have taken the huge step (from their perspective) of according us Group Level status, it is incumbent on all of us to demonstrate we deserve to be considered part of the “team” at that level. Understanding the “big picture” of how the larger ANG and AF work on a day to day basis, and how that affects Wing, and Group level opera-tions, is essential if we are to effectively lead and advocate for our organizations. This re-

quires skills and knowledge we can’t simply pick up along the way, and which we certainly don’t receive by virtue of those two letters after our names. So, as we move forward through BRAC, and QDR, and Future Total Force, let’s resolve to do what we need to do as leaders to gain and maintain the credibility we require to be effective commanders and advocates. As flight surgeons we are unquestionably the best people to lead and guide our Medi-cal Groups and Squadrons. But we must work hard to achieve the credibility needed to do so. If we do not, we risk losing that place of leadership at the table to others, and furthermore, deserve to lose it. That would be a shame,

and ultimately would degrade the Air Guard Medical Ser-vice’s ability to maintain relevance for the future. Reid T. Muller, Col, NYANG, MC, SFS 174MDG/CC

Patrick Henry, who is called the firebrand of the American Revolution, is still remembered for his words, "Give me liberty or give me death"; I thought you might like the fuller text—WWP, editor.

"An appeal to arms and the God of hosts is all that is left us. But we shall not fight our battle alone. There is a just God that presides over the destinies of nations. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone. Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it Almighty God. I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death." "Of the four wars in my lifetime none came about because the U.S. was too strong." > > Ronald Reagan

An airevac mission during OIF.

AANGFS Vice President Brett Wyrick , SW Asia

Spring 2005 AANGFS AFRFSA 10

Expeditionary!! Greetings from the 376th Expeditionary Medical Group, Manas Kyrgyz Republic. This is the only EMEDS supporting Operation Enduring Freedom, (I believe, the forgotten war). The Air National Guard provides 70% of the medical force here including the FFEP2 (Command Element). Eight ANG units and three AD units are represented. We have just transitioned here as AEF ¾ with rotations as short as 40 days (120 days for the Ac-tive Duty and the Commander). There are several EMEDS in the CENCOM AOR with some actively caring for combat casualties and some simply providing base support. Some Air Bases in the AOR have Army BOS, (Base Operating Support) and have Army Medics. Some of the EMEDS are Squadrons and some are Groups. You are a Group if you are assigned to a Wing, a Squadron if assigned to a Group. Currently medical manning is not considered in this designation. Another designation, “EMEDS minus” is now commonly used here. This is an EMEDS Basic with something missing, typically Critical Care and Surgical Assets. Currently all of the EMEDS Commanders are required to be an 0-6. (Corps neutral) If I exclude the classified, the sensitive and personal opinion there would be little other discuss. I’ll do my best. LEADERSHIP As most of us are very experienced in interpersonal communication it will only take a few days to judge if your new boss, the Wing Commander, has any respect for Medics or finds you an overpaid inconvenience. You might find some animosity from other line commanders related to Group designation or your rank. Here at Manas Operations and Maintenance are Squadrons with 0-5 com-manders. On the last rotation the EMDG had 3 0-6’s (2 AD provid-ers plus the CC). As far as your personnel, they as well will make a judgment on you in the first few days. Start your rotation on the run. ORGANIZATION You must know EMEDS Con-ops before you arrive! A general knowledge of CENTAF/CENTCOM is help-ful. I attended the Joint Forces Command Surgeons Course prior to deploying. Remember, this is not a train-ing exercise. The MSC is critical to keeping you well organized. Currently (this is changing) there are no 4A0’s on an EMEDS Basic so the MSC does all the Admin work and must be very comfortable with IT is-sues. CLINICAL ISSUES You will deploy as the Commander and therefore depend on your professional staff to provide clinical ser-

vices. If boredom sets in you might want to rotate yourself through the clinical sched-ule. Aerospace Medicine has a routine to follow and has baseline duties such as shop visits etc. Your clinical staff could face boredom dependant on your location. Your providers are probably current as they are providers at home station/civilian practice. Your nurse(if you have one) may not be current in clinical nursing and your 4N’s may be college students (very smart but lacking clinical experience). Assess training short-falls right up front and try to fix them locally with an aggressive in-service program. PERSONAL Keep upbeat, remind yourself you VOLUNTEERED. Your mood affects everyone in your command as well as your family back home. 120 days is a long time. Set some personal goals. Try to fly regularly (if you can). Some locations have no aircraft as-signed.

Remember why you are here. Every tent on this base has a picture of the Trade Towers on fire to remind us daily of why we are here. See you in June, Bruce R. Guerdan, Col. MC, SFS Commander 376th Expeditionary Medical Group, Manas AB Kyrgyz Republic

A Central Asian country of incredible natural beauty and proud nomadic traditions, Kyrgyzstan was annexed by Russia in 1864; it achieved independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.

Spring 2005 AANGFS AFRFSA 11

Friday June 3rd 0800-0900 DCS/Physiologic Incident Response Maj Milad Pooran, MD ANG 0900-1000 Aeromedical Evacuation Col William Pond, IN ANG 1000-1100 Safety Investigations - The Beginning and the End Maj Lisa Snyder, IN ANG 1100-1130 Hearing Conservation Program - Updates for FS's Maj Lisa Snyder, IN ANG 1130-1300 Lunch 1300-1400 Deployment Public Health Col Reid Muller, NY ANG 1400-1500 Changes in USAF Aeromedical Training Col Karl Lee, USAFSAM 1500-1600 Space Mission Support Col Greg Biernacki, VA ANG 1600-1700 Weaver Lecture: Night Vision Research Chuck Antonio MD, Cmdr USN, pilot/FS 1900- AANGFS Banquet w/ lecture Col Warner Anderson, USASOC Saturday June 4th 1400-1700 ACLS-EP Refresher Col Reid Muller et al. 1900- AANGFS Board meeting/AWACS

Thanks and a tip o’ the hat to Ralph L. Warren, MD for the latest “final” AANGFS

FYI The URL for registration (only from .mil computers): https://logistics.ang.af.mil/sg/rfc/

1-2 June ATLS-A 2-3 June ATLS-B 3 June AANGFS RSV program 4 June AM Plenary sessions PM ACLS refresher 5-6 June MGH disaster course 7-10 June TAOS course

Membership Application---Alliance of ANG Flight Surgeons ______ Member: Annual Dues $25 ______ New _____ Renewal _______ Life Member: $250

Date: Unit: Rank: Hours: Last Name: Years: First Name: Active Flying: yes no MI: Home Phone: SSAN: Work Phone: Address: Fax: City: E-mail: State: Civilian Specialty: Zip: Academic Appt: Aero Rating: FS SFS CFS Member of Society of USAF FS: yes no Position: Member of AsMA: yes no

FS = Flight Surgeon ACLS Certified: yes no Current Until: CC = Clinic Commander ATLS Certified: yes no Current Until: CFM = Chief Flight Med Trauma Med experience: yes no CAS = Chief Aeromed Services Air Evac Experience: yes no SAS = State Air Surgeon CCATT = Critical Care Air Transport Team Mail to: Col William Pond, MD Comments:

5730 Autumn Woods Trail Fort Wayne, Indiana 46835

Spring 2005 AANGFS AFRFSA 12

Col William W. Pond, SFS, INANG 5730 Autumn Woods Trail Fort Wayne, IN 46835

Future Annual Scientific Meetings: Kansas City, Missouri - May 8-12, 2005

Orlando, Florida - May 14-18, 2006 New Orleans, LA - May 13-17, 2007

Boston, MA - May 11-15, 2008 Los Angeles, CA - May 3-7, 2009

AFRFSA ANNUAL AMSUS SOCIAL SET By Brig Gen Lance Chu

This year’s Air Force Reserve Flight Surgeon’s Association AMSUS social is set. We

will be having a Mystery Dinner Show in downtown Nashville. Additional details will be forth coming. Please visit our website at : www.flightsurgeons.us for details regarding the social. It should be fun and chance to socialize with your fellow flight surgeons. Look forward to seeing all of you there. Reservation will be required. Guests are certainly welcome and encouraged. If you have junior (or senior) flight surgeons who are not members of the association, invite them so they can get a taste of what we are all about. The educational program promises to be an outstanding event with the program expanding to two days to assure a good number of CME hours for all of us. See you in Nashville!!!!