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Scott medical team prepares for two-week mission to Alaska

  • Published
  • By Maj. Carolyn McPartlin
  • Operation Arctic Care Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  A medical team from Scott Air Force Base, including an Air Force captain recently named as the top Air Force company Grade Optometrist of the Year, is preparing to embark on a two-week mission to Alaska.

Elements of the 375th and 932nd Medical Groups from Scott will send a team to one of the most isolated areas of the country, with some of the harshest weather in the U.S., April 10-24 in a real-world operation called "Operation Arctic Care."

"This is truly a win-win opportunity for both the military and Alaska residents," said Col. Christine Barber, project manager for this year's operation. "Arctic Care helps simulate preparing and conducting medical outreach operations in the time of crisis, conflict or disaster, while at the same time filling a vital need for U.S. citizens. Our teams will be seeing patients who have to wait year-to-year to get even the most basic of medical care, such as dental check-ups and eye exams."

A team of eight medical professionals from Scott will join teams from the Air Force, Army and Navy, including Reserve, Guard and active duty units, converging on 11 different remote villages near Kotzebue, Alaska. The Air Force Reserve Command will be leading the operation this year.

Capt. Christopher Putnam, an optometrist with the 375th Medical Group, will join this year's eye team for the operation. He was lauded for his efforts during last year's operation and recently honored as the Air Force Company Grade Optometrist of the Year for 2009. Last year Captain Putnam led a team providing $286,000 worth of eye care to 1,250 patients.

Other team members from Scott are Col. Mark Beehner, an oral surgeon, and Col. John Calcaterra both from the 375th MDG. Colonel Calcaterra will be the lead pharmacist for the operation.

Members from the 932nd Medical Squadron include Col. Jacob Marshall, family practice physician, Lt. Col. Jerome Teclaw, dental lead, Master Sgt. Debra McInnis, pharmacy technician, and medical technicians Staff Sgt. Charity Eakes, Senior Airman Emily Mormino and Staff Sgt. Andre St. Julien.

With no vehicle access to the sites, the teams will be airlifted in by Army Blackhawk helicopters. The Scott team will join military medical professionals from 30 states in what has become the largest recurring joint military medical and logistics training exercise of its kind, while providing real-world humanitarian assistance and medical care.

This year's operation marks the 16th year of Operation Arctic Care.