148th Medical Group returns from Germany deployment

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Scott G. Herrington
  • 148th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
DULUTH, Minn. --  More than 30 members of the 148th Fighter Wing Medical Group returned from a 13 day deployment to Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany Aug. 6, 2011. The primary objective of the deployment, an overseas annual tour (OSAT), was to train and gain experience with patients.

"Many of our members were recognized for the outstanding work they provided while working with the 52nd Medical Group," said Master Sgt. Randy L. Lipscy, the 148th Fighter Wing Medical Group First Sergeant. "We were able to check off various medical training objectives for our doctors, nurses, public health, bio-environmental, bio-medical and dental personnel."

In addition to working in a clinic with patients, Master Sgt. Lipscy said the medical group also completed a mass casualty exercise and assisted with medical support for the base open house.

According to Master Sgt. Lipscy, despite not having any personnel able to go in advance to set up in Germany prior to the deployment, the 52nd Medical Group at Spangdahlem had 148th personnel scheduled for work in their various areas, provided government vehicles, and had a meal waiting on the evening of their arrival.

The trip to Germany was Airman 1st Class Nikki M. Goplin's first deployment. "It was really good--we got a lot of hands-on training," said Airman 1st Class Goplin. Airman 1st class Goplin performed simulated triage on patients in full make-up with artificial wounds--something she doesn't normally do on a drill weekend.

"The deployment built camaraderie," said Airman 1st Class Goplin. "It drew the clinic closer, and that helped a lot."