Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Anishka Calder | Specialists Maria R. Gutierrez and Stacie L. Solis from the 227th Preventive Medicine...... read more read more
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BREEZY POINT, N.Y. – Soldiers from the 227th Preventive Medicine Detachment, 56th Multifunctional Medical Battalion, 62nd Medical Brigade, out of Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., are in New York to support service members working in conjunction with the federal response team in assisting citizens affected by Hurricane Sandy.
The 227th PMD is the only medical Title 10 unit that has authorization to move around New York and New Jersey said Maj. Jason B. Faulkenberry, the unit commander and a 14-year veteran. But that isn’t the only trait that makes this 13-man unit stand out.
“It is very unorthodox for us to go out and conduct sampling on U.S. soil. We’re all designed to do this overseas. It is kind of pioneering, in a sense,” said Faulkenberry. “It is a unique mission, but it also makes sense because we actually have Title 10 active-duty soldiers doing their mission, so we are here to protect them from these occupational environmental exposures.”
The main focus of the 227th PMD is to support the engineers who are doing water pumping, said Faulkenberry. He added that this support comes in the form of testing water for contaminants, noise surveillance, dining facility and living quarters inspection, and ensuring that adequate facilities are available for conducting personal hygiene.
“We are checking for the potential environmental hazards in order to protect the soldiers,” said Faulkenberry, a native of Rock Hill, S.C. “The technicians will go in to get raw water samples and then do a characterization of the water to figure out those contaminants.”
Water samples get sent to the water laboratory at the Public Health Compound at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Md. The results get documented and the data is sent back to the team. According to Faulkenberry, a physician assistant is put in charge of monitoring for signs and symptoms of diseases, which is of benefit to soldiers who complain of strange ailments upon retirement. The data can be used to check if a soldier was exposed to contaminants and ensures medically coverage if proven. On the other hand, this said data also protects the military from litigation.
Spc. Maria R. Gutierrez, a preventive medicine specialist from the 227th PMD, was humbled by what she saw upon arrival to the affected areas. The extent of the devastation reaffirmed Gutierrez's commitment to making a difference in the lives of those in need and solidified the importance of cleanliness and disease prevention.
“We didn’t know what to expect, so coming out here was a huge shock to see how devastated the area is. We knew what we were coming into, but to actually be able to see it, it kind of takes you back,” said Gutierrez, an Eagle Pass, Texas, native. “I just wish that we could do more. We have been out here for almost a week and we have done what we came out here to do, but seeing families not have anything and us going back to having things. It makes you very humble.”
This spirit of selfless service and love of country and fellowman is also reflected in other members of the team.
“I am very excited to come out here and assist those in need,” said Staff Sgt. Aaron W. Matthews, the senior preventive medicine non-commissioned officer for the 227th PMD, and a native of Beaumont, Texas. “I saw the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and the need for support from that devastation. So when we were called to come up and support New York and New Jersey, I was very ecstatic to help in the rebuilding process.”
Spc. Stacie L. Solis, a preventive medicine specialist from the 227th PMD, and a Stockton, Calif., native, said being able to help others in need is a source of great reward for her, and falls right in line with her character traits.
“I’m a caring person. I love to help others and bring them happiness,” said Solis, a three-year veteran. “I believe in putting others before myself, so I’m very happy to be here.”
As the recovery efforts continue, the team stressed the importance of doing small things to prevent the spread of disease. These include washing hands before preparing food, before eating, and after using the restroom, drinking from bottled water and not sharing personal items.
“The most important aspect of my job is emphasizing how quickly diseases can spread,” said Gutierrez. “You can’t ignore the little things just because you are in a natural disaster zone. Keep yourself and others clean and remind each other of its importance.”
| Date Taken: | 11.10.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 11.11.2012 03:20 |
| Story ID: | 97622 |
| Location: | BREEZY POINT, NY, US |
| Web Views: | 303 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, Wellness through education, prevention, by SFC Anishka Calder, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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