Doctor volunteers during downtime

Photo By Staff Sgt. Samantha Simmons | Col. Brett Call, the brigade field surgeon attached to the 16th Engineer Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, displays a hand carved chain, Dec. 10, he crafted for his daughter. Each link requires two hours of detailed carving with a pocket knife. (Photo by: Sgt. Samantha Beuterbaugh)  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

12.12.2009

Courtesy Story

Multi-National Division Baghdad

Story by: Sgt. Samantha Beuterbaugh

BAGHDAD, Iraq — "I volunteer because I remember what it was like when I was the medical provider in charge of a clinic," said Col. Brett Call, the brigade field surgeon attached to the 16th Engineer Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division.

Call, an Amanda, Ohio native, volunteers at the Witmer Troop Medical Clinic, here on Camp Liberty, twice a week after a full workday.

"It's nice to get some relief, a way to give the docs a breather," Call said.

When the Ohio National Guard Soldier was in charge of a clinic during a previous deployment, Call said he would work 36 hours on, 12 hours off.

As the brigade field surgeon, he works at the brigade's aid station, teaches classes, helps with sick call, prepares special staff reports and administrative documents, occasionally fills in as an ambulatory medic, and still makes time to volunteer in support of the busy doctors in charge of clinics.

"We were short on docs, and Col. Call volunteered to come take a spot," said Spc. Jason Anderson, a combat medic assigned to Whitmer TMC.

Anderson said several captains and lieutenants have volunteered, but he's never seen a colonel volunteer before. After Call gets done with his patients, he sits down with the combat medics to explain the steps he took in each case, he added.

Call volunteers at the Witmer TMC every Tuesday morning and Friday evening. When he first arrived, he was volunteering four to five days a week because the clinic was short two physicians due to redeployment processes.

Field surgeons typically deploy every 12 to 18 months for a 90 day period. The 90 day rotations are designed to prevent family practitioners called to active duty from losing their practice when they are deployed.

On the civilian side of the spectrum, Call is an emergency room physician for the Berger Health System in Circleville, Ohio. BHS has been very supportive of his time allocated toward the military, Call said.

This is Call's fourth deployment, and he is already scheduled for a fifth tour to Afghanistan. He keeps his deployment packing list ready at all times.

But it's not all work for Call. In his spare time he carves intricate, detailed wood objects, with his pocket knife and wood files.

Twenty three years ago, he carved a chain for his then fiancee — now wife — with her name dangling from it and hung it from their Christmas tree. He has decided to carry on this tradition by carving one for each of his four children.

Each link takes approximately two hours to craft. The current 21 link chain, for his daughter, is almost complete, with an apple on one side and a music note on the other side, representing her hobbies.

Call's extracurricular activities exemplify his strong work ethic and prove him to be a highly motivated Soldier. Although Call takes pride in what he does, he stated, "I couldn't do half of the things I do in the military or civilian life without the unwavering support and devotion from my loving wife."

• Date Taken: 12.12.2009
• Date Posted: 12.12.2009 01:42
• Story ID: 42648
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ