ANG Assistant to the USAF/SG

Page1 AANGFS-AFRFSA NewsletterSpring 2003

From MGen Dennis Higdon

ANG Assistant to the USAF/SG

Yesterday President George W. Bush issued an ultimatum to Saddam Hussein to leave Iraq within 48 hours or the United States with its coalition partners would disarm him.TodayHomeland Security SecretaryTomRidge asked the nation's governors to call up the National Guard to help provide a security force for "Operation Liberty Shield". It is apparent that within days or hours a war with Iraq will begin. By the time you read this the curtain will have risen.

I am confident you are all personally prepared to do whatever you are asked to in support of this effort. And, I know you have done your best to assure the health and readiness of the airmen in your units. However, as war begins, I ask that you continue to monitor how our deployed and activated members and their families have access to health care. Recently, six personnel at each ANG wing were mobilized to assist in deploying ANG members and to take care of their families. Two of these personnel are medical and should be of great help in the mobilization/ demobilization process and in securing access to the Tricare system for dependents. Recent positive changes in the Tricare system for activated Guard and Reserve members and their families should help ease some of our concerns.

I know you will do all you can to make certain our Guard family has access to the best care possible.

Take care and stay in touch.

A FUTURE GENERATION OF MENTORS
As our Nation once again faces a time of ultimate challenge and sacrifice, it is incumbent upon us all, as leaders, to be introspective.

We are, and always will, be about our future generations. We must seize this opportunity to educate, share our lessons-learned, and strive to better ourselves and those who surround us. We must mentally equip future flight surgeons and other health care professionals through enhanced preparedness and knowledge understanding. By this, I refer to not only our externally visible preparedness, but also, our inner, much deeper, level of preparedness that we all recognize builds on a very personal set of values.

No matter how horrific the reality of casualties may be, it is our duty to learn from our experiences, so the tragedies and the living losses of their families may result in some tangible benefit to society.

As we embrace new programs and collaborations with universities, private sector, and national assets, let's carry the message forward and proactively look for opportunities to educate and mentor our future generations.

Respectfully submitted,

Your Alliance President,

Brigadier General Annie Sobel

Brig Gen Sobel and other DVs with General Tommie Franks, CINC Centcom, in foreground at recent GCC Environmental Security Conference,Doha, Qatar

PRESIDENT”S CORNER

By

Col Larry Allen

Total Force was alive and well at our Annual Gala during AMSUS. I would like to thank the Active Duty and Air National Guard members who attended and added so much to the celebration.

I talked to Tom Selvaggi, our President-Elect, about the President position in the Association. He was busy during AMSUS and could not assume the position at that time; but is ready and willing to take it over at this time. Tom is a great leader and very enthusiastic about the challenges ahead. I have discussed the options at AMSUS this year and am in agreement with the program. If anyone wants to help with the AMSUS program or the Gala, please let me know. I am also taking nominations for a President-elect to take over after Tom.

I have some sad news for the Association and the AF Reserve Medical Service. I have just learned that Major General John Giller passed away in Little Rock, Arkansas recently. He was a great friend and supporter of the Association and the Reserve. He will be missed by all of us who knew him. Our prayers and thoughts are with his family. Knowing how much he loved to fly, I am sure that he now is spreading his wings to greater heights.

Lastly, I cannot leave you without mentioning the great heroes and friends that are serving our country here and in the Gulf. From the Association of USAF Reserve Flight Surgeons, I salute them.

James D. Weaver Society

Reception

2003 AMSUS Meeting in San Antonio, Texas

Tuesday 18 November 2003, 1830-2130 Hours

Check your AMSUS Bulletin Final Version for reception location and cost per person.

Inspections

Over the past two years as an ANG Medical Assistant I have had the opportunity to be involved with many medical units and the inspection (read: HSI) process. Please allow me to comment on a couple of observations:

• During CY 2002 the ANG had 18 medical units inspected by AFIA
• 14 units (78%) were Mission Ready (score > 76)
• 2 units (11%) were Mission Ready with Exception (score >69 but < 77)
• 2 units (11%) were Not Mission Ready (score <70)
• The highest finding rate for the past several years has been: Supervisory Involvement of OJT
• None of the 18 units inspected in 2002 met criteria; all had Element Comments or Type 1 or Type 2 Findings during the inspections
• The next most common finding observed was a tie between the Privileging Process and Administration of the OJT Program
• The problems with privileging and credentials centered around allowing providers to examine patients and practice without completing the credentials process
• OJT Administration tasks were not being performed, and Executive Committee oversight and correction of deficiencies was not accomplished in many units

What these comments and findings tell me is something that we all know and have been trying to get arms around for years: Training—especially On the Job Training—needs continuous supervisory involvement and executive management. Those are our mandates for Reserve and Guard medical training, and really almost our sole purpose for existence. Certainly the 90% federal funding for our units is intended to be used for training.

We can do better, and I challenge all you Commanders and Senior Leaders to take up the stick and get a grip on this issue. Thanks, and remember that the ANG Assistants appreciate all that you have done and the sacrifices you continue to make.

G. E. Harmon,

Brig Gen, SCANG

ANG Asst, ACC/SG

19 March 2003

DIVERSITY IN THE ANG

By BGen Edith Mitchell

ANG Asst SG/AMC

While waiting for a recent flight and catching up on long overdue reading materials, I was reminded, as I perused through my folder labeled “Diversity”, of how many military women and men have contributed to Diversity in the Armed Forces. Through personal sacrifices these men and women enhanced the greatness of our country, but yet opened doors for all, without respect to gender, culture or ethnicity.

What do we mean by diversity? The ANG Human Quality Resources Board (HRQB) defines Diversity as an organizational-behavior protocol, which acknowledges and values differences and similarities among people and what they bring to an organization. It means understanding the cultural environment with an appreciation for individuals’ gender, culture, ethnic and religious uniqueness. Diversity covers more than race, gender, religion and affirmative action. Diversity is the recognition that people can be helped to work and learn together better.

The first article was a eulogy of General Benjamin O. Davis, the first African-American Air Force general, and who died on July 4, 2002. Although shunned by his classmates at West Point, he graduated near the top of his class. None of the other cadets shared meals, a dormitory room, or other conversations with him out of the line of duty during the entire four years. He triumphed many other barriers and challenges during his career. Barred initially from flight training because of color, the leader of the famed Tuskegee Airmen and became a major force for full integration in the Air Force.

The second was an article about the “Red Ball Express”, a massive military trucking operation manned mainly by black servicemen that kept American combat forces supplied the Normandy breakout. The Red Ball was established to cover a 300-mile one-way loop route. As remembered by a former armored division chief, “If it wasn’t for the Red Ball,” he said, “we couldn’t have moved. They were all black drivers and they delivered in the heat of combat. We’d be in our tanks praying for them to come.” Russell F. Weigley wrote in his book “Eisenhower’s Lieutenants: “Without the Red Ball Express, the armies could have advanced nowhere the Franco-German border by the beginning of September, and there would have been no hope of ending the war before the snow fell. Its fame was richly deserved.

The Red Ball’s exploits were put to song in the 1946 Broadway revue Call Me Mister.

Yes, we should support the HRQB and the ANG Diversity Plan. It is not only ethically and morally the Right thing to do, but to capture the leading edge, it’s the Best thing to do.

HQ ANG Update

Lt Colonel Buck Dodson MD

We here at Headquarters wish we could be with those of you who have been sent FORWARD. You are in our thoughts and prayers. As we receive documents re injuries, we are reminded of the risks of being part of the “Fielded Forces” (even before and after actual warfare). Needless to say, we yearn to be part of the Fight and will support you every way we can.

Those of you “on orders”, welcome to the world of us full-timers! Current information on physician pay issues including Additional Special Pay (ASP) and Incentive Special Pay (ISP) is in SG Log Letter 03-016 dated 25 Mar 03 (POC is SMSgt Waugh:

; AFRC counterpart was Bill Waterman at last check).

Healthcare Operations (SGO) is now the name of my Division here at the Readiness Center (ANGRC). In true "Team Aerospace" fashion, Colonel Randy Falk combined my old Professional and Aeromedical Services (SGP) Division with the Public Health (PH) and Bio-Environmental Engineering (BEE) sections that had been in another Division. Names (and phone numbers) remain the same; currently dealing with flight med/exams/standards/etc: Major Brian Pinkston, SMSgt Tammy Simpson, MSgt Jovy Juanillo, TSgt Jeri Farrar; PH: Lt Col Cindy Cogburn, MSgt Michele Miller, MSgt George Silvas; BEE: Lt Col Keith Groth, SMSgt Greg Wills. They are a GREAT crew, a joy to work with, and will make it even harder to leave when I PCS at the end of my set 3 yr tour this summer.

My Boss, Col Falk, will be staying on as planned (remember, Col Weaver was in that seat 14 yrs!). He's been wonderful to work for - under his leadership, all of us here have had opportunities to "make a difference" in positive and permanent ways.

My Deputy, Major Brian Pinkston, likewise is an exceptional medical officer who has been a pleasure to work with. Brian is an energetic fast learner who will be ready to bridge the time gap from the end of my tour until my replacement arrives.

My proposed replacement, Lt Colonel Mark Gaul, is a truly superlative guy and has my absolute highest recommendation. He was not only my RAM classmate, but also a good neighbor and close friend during those 3 years in San Antonio (and 3 wks at FairchildCombatSurvivalSchool!). A "new" LtCol, he should not be affected by the current O-5 rank limit of this position. He’s former AD Army, so he’ll be able to “speak the dialect” to those TAGs that are green-suiters!

It's been an honor to do a "MAJCOM Staff Tour" here at HQ; I've learned a lot and done a lot. I've been successful at using my Active Duty Air Force and Deployment experience in helping the Guard Bureau to make decisions that serve the best interests of both the individual and their unit, and to produce guidance that is practical from the "medical squadron point of view". I eagerly await my "Return to the Field"!

MEMORANDUM FOR ICE3 FLIGHT SURGEON APPLICANTS

FROM: HQ ANG

SUBJECT: FY 2004 ICE3 APPLICATIONS

We are now taking applications for the 6-8 flight surgeon (FS) rotations (2-4 weeks on the ice) for the 2003-2004 austral summer season. Flight surgeon rotations to provide Aeromedical support to the 109th AW, patient care to the McMurdo community, and to participate in the self-paced instructional program (Isolated Continent Experience, In Cold Environment, Interactive Clinical Education - ICE3) will begin approximately 17 October 2003 and extend through approximately 22 February 2004.

Travel to and from Christchurch, New Zealand will be via commercial air. Applicants must add an additional week to their rotation time for travel.

Minimum criteria for eligibility: completion of an entire residency and/or board certification; currently serving as a FS in an active flying position. Applications are open to all such Flight Surgeons in the Air National Guard, Active Duty USAF, and Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC FSs may not apply until assured funding - if available - through their MAJCOM can be documented).

Because this is an Air National Guard program, preference is given to ANG FSs. All applicant FSs must meet weight standards, have a current military Flying Class II physical certification (AF Form 1042), valid medical license, and be trained and current in BLS, Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Advanced Trauma Life Support. Applicants, regardless of civilian specialty, should have broad-based medical background including recent primary care experience. Flight surgeons must also be able to manage acute medical emergencies and mass casualty situations.

Please send the completed application to the address indicated, along with all supporting checklist items. Please indicate the dates you are most likely to be available on the enclosed Schedule Preference Form. Applicants will not be given full consideration until their application packages are complete. Applicants must ensure that their completed application packages have been received at HQ ANG/SG by 12 June 2003: to the SG website for the required forms.

Buck

William W. Dodson III MD

LtCol, USAF, MC, SFS

Chief, Professional and Aeromedical Services

Buck,

Best wishes and our sincere thanks for a job well done—Guard Flight Docs,WWP, editor

FLIGHT SURGEON SUSTAINMENT TRAINING

(48 G RSV)

by

Col Chuck O’Toole

For those of you who could not make it, AFRC just completed a very comprehensive RSV training for flight surgeons. This was an exceptional course put on by Col Brent Klein and his staff. This was even more impressive considering the last minute need for this course and put together by AFRC staff. The course was at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Atlanta, GA from 17 to 21 March. It was attended by about 80 reserve flight surgeons although the course was open to reserve, ANG, and active duty flight surgeon personnel. This course presented fifty-five (all but seven) of the new RSV requirements for flight surgeons. It also provided 23.5 hours of Cat 1 CME credited. The cadre included numerous active duty instructors ranging from the safety office at Kirtland to the SGP shop at ACC, Langley AFB. A large number of reserve experts presented excellent programs also. This overall made a very successful educational program at a very timely period since all 48G RSVs changed 1 Feb 2003. Hopefully, next course, better and more widespread notice of the course can be given so members of the ANG and AD can take advantage of the program.

AFRC plans to continue this program at least annually each year at this time. According to Col Klein, this program could be done multiple times per year if a need is demonstrated. If you or you unit have a need for this training, you may want to let Col Klein’s office know so modification of the schedule can be made if needed.

A comprehensive CD of all presentations and support material will be forwarded to each participant. If you know someone who attended, you might review his CD and materials.

The Reserve Flight Surgeon’s Association hosted a luncheon for their membership on Tuesday of the course that was well attended. The Association will continue to sponsor these types of social events for the membership at all programs with significant numbers of our membership present.

Personal recommendation would be two thumbs up for the course and a hearty recommendation that anyone who did not attend to make the next course. You can complete most of your RSV requirements. More importantly, the program genuinely was educational and worthwhile.

FROM 4 AF

Col “Chuck” goes on to greater challenges. 4 AF Medical Division’s loss is ACC/SG’s gain...Col O’Toole’s expertise and leadership are recognized by the AD as he has been selected as MA to the ACC Command Surgeon. Congratulations!

4 AF is adding two Wings to its numbers: the 939th at Portland and the 459th at Andrews. We are also standing up two new units: Spokane, WA and Kirtland, NM (these were the old Detachments of the 349th MDS).

CMSgt Yarborough continues to contribute his unique expertise in providing “hands-on” workshops in RCPHA and WBITS to the entire command.The Medical Division has five members activated for one year to provide CAT (Crises Action Team) 24/7 support as well as FAM (Functional Area Manager) support. We plan to continue our SAV program as directed by our NAF/CC.