Photo By Maj. Vernardo Harris | Pictured are (first row) Sgt. Painter, Spc. Walls, Spc. Warren, Sgt. Cleveland,...... read more read more
Saturday morning, several members from the United States Army Reserve 7223rd Medical Support Unit became a part of Alabama history.
It’s very rare for reserve soldiers to get opportunities to volunteer in history-making events. It’s always good to be in the right place, or for this matter the right reserve unit. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity came to this unit from an unlikely place.
Saraland, Ala., hosted the first Spartan Race in the state of Alabama, rightfully named the Alabama Super. The course covered over 10 miles with more than 20 soul-searching obstacles, to include different variations of courses and elevation changes. Thousands of people invaded Saraland to either take on one of the toughest obstacle courses in the nation, or soak in the opportunity to experience this amazing event. The event was special because Spartan Races are normally held in larger cities throughout the United States.
Sometimes it pays to answer the phone when the caller ID shows unknown caller. Mrs. Larry, 7223rd MSU Unit Administrator, received a call from Rachel Gilpatrick, recruiter for Amphibious Medics. Amphibious Medics is America’s largest network of construction medics, event medics, and set medics. She stated that she networks with Army Reserves nationwide and is trying to grow the Alabama area. She was looking for soldiers with certain medical backgrounds and certifications to be part of race teams for the event.
The race teams will be comprised of EMTs, paramedics, and water rescue personnel to attend to participants suffering minor injuries. Amphibious Medics services are tailored to meets the needs of various industries, and Extreme Event Medics are the one mostly utilized for Spartan Races.
Mrs. Larry relayed the message to Captain Vernardo Harris, 7223rd MSU Training Officer in Charge. After collaborating with key staff members, he gladly accepted the invitation on behave of the unit. His acceptance provided a very short window only allowing two days prior to battle assembly the same weekend to put together an exemplary team, and make sure all of the necessary credentials were done in time for the race. The process was painstaking and long because battle assembly weekend was approaching, majority of the soldiers resided out of town, and even the state. CPT Harris worked diligently with Rachel Gilpatrick up until race day to make sure the soldiers were squared away and well-prepared.
The soldiers arrived on-site early Saturday morning primed and motivated to provide medical treatment the participants who needed care. Throughout the day, the soldiers provided Level One medical care to participants, as well as spectators. The soldiers was happy to lend a hand, no matter how small the injury or need. This was the first time majority of the soldiers had any dealings with a Spartan Race. They was ecstatic at the opportunity to put their medical military training to good use.
Captain Harris stated, it was a joy and pleasure to be able to provide my soldiers with real life training which is sometimes very hard to provide during battle assemblies. Soldiers can get frustrated and tired of doing repetitive training every month. As the training OIC for a medical unit it can be difficult and challenging with many different jobs, so providing training opportunities to utilize their skills can become overwhelming. He ended by telling his soldiers: "Who knows what the future may bring? Just like this golden opportunity found us, who knows how many more will come in the future?"
| Date Taken: | 10.17.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 10.22.2015 12:58 |
| Story ID: | 179634 |
| Location: | MOBILE, AL, US |
| Web Views: | 352 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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