Photo By Sgt. Nicole Paese | Soldiers from the 328th Brigade Support Battalion, Charlie Medical Company, out of...... read more read more
GRAFENWOEHR, Germany – Soldiers from the 328th Brigade Support Battalion, Charlie Company, treated more than 160 reserve, active and National Guard service members during a training exercise in Grafenwoehr, Germany.
The unit, out of Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, operated a 24-hour aid station that provided care not only for U.S. forces, but coalition forces from Lithuania, Poland and the United Kingdom as well.
“It’s quite an experience, there’s kind of a language barrier. You have to use different words sometimes to help them understand, they don’t know all the medical terminology in English,” said Spc. Heather Sinclair, a 68W, health care specialist/combat medic.
“No matter who you are, the standards we practice are the same,” said Capt. Philip Walters, a 66P, nurse practitioner.
Walters has been drilling with Charlie Company for about four months and was looking forward to this training opportunity for the Soldiers in the unit. The Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, native said that he enjoys working in the medical field both in the Army and as a civilian.
“I like treating patients, seeing them get better, and progress,” said Walters.
Walters appreciated this type of training exercise because it allows him to work closer with his soldiers.
“I get to see patients with them and teach them about assessment,” said the 12-year veteran.
The training exercise presented Soldiers with more opportunities for hands-on training.
“We’ve learned sutures, perfected paperwork, note taking, and to use books. It’s not shameful to use books and previous knowledge. You owe it to your patients to use not only what you know but also what you have,” stated Spc. Armand H. Jackson, a 68W.
“We’re constantly learning,” stated Sinclair.
During this training exercise, not only did the Charlie Company get to treat Soldiers from different branches and countries, but they also had the opportunity to work with active duty Soldiers and civilians, who bring a unique set of skills and abilities.
“I like the providers, they love teaching us,” stated Sinclair.
In addition, Soldiers received training that they don’t always get to participate in during a monthly drill weekend.
“We get to hold sick call and have patients. During sick call, patients are our first priority,” said Sinclair. “I feel like I’m actually making an impression.”
Making an impression was one of the goals coming into this exercise as well as to treat as many people as they possibly could.
This Soldiers maximized their potential by rotating shifts making sure they could continue to treat patients 24 hours a day, giving them a personalized experience.
“I try to bring a whole mind, body, soul experience to what I do,” said Walters. “It’s all about helping people, whether its your patients or enlisted.”
“The whole group is better than the individual; no matter if they are E-1 or major, everyone has something to contribute, give them a voice; they bring a lot of things to the table,” said Walters.
“Everyone has a unique dynamic that they add to our force," said Jackson. “I like the variety of professional levels you get to deal with.”
“The Army teaches you so much. I’ve learned that the Army is all about developing and maximizing human potential," stated Jackson.
“This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” adds Sinclair. “I love my unit, they’re my family.”
This demonstration of teamwork is something that all service members can relate to. This exercise not only presented the 328th Brigade Support Battalion with an opportunity to strengthen their bond but to utilize that cohesion to aid more than 160 service members from around the world.
| Date Taken: | 04.02.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 04.02.2015 21:06 |
| Story ID: | 159044 |
| Location: | GRAFENWOEHR, DE |
| Hometown: | HARRISBURG, PA, US |
| Web Views: | 342 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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