Photo By Sgt. Michael Alberts | Maj. Bradley Pearson (left), emergency medicine specialist and flight surgeon, 3rd...... read more read more
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WHEELER ARMY AIRFIELD, Hawaii – It's often said that doctors and nurses treat sick people in normal environments while flight surgeons and aeromedical physician's assistants treat normal people in abnormal environments – namely, while in flight.
Recently, the Society of the United States Army Flight Surgeons recognized three 25th Combat Aviation Brigade Soldiers as among the Army's best in those abnormal environments. Maj. Bradley Pearson, Capt. Ryan DeBoard and Capt. Wayne Johnson were honored for their aeromedical achievements during an award ceremony at Wheeler Army Airfield, Feb. 13.
Pearson, an emergency medicine specialist and flight surgeon, 3rd Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment, 25th CAB, received the Society's 2009 Spurgeon H. Neel U.S. Army Distinguished Flight Surgeon of the Year award. Captains Ryan DeBoard, an emergency medicine specialist and flight surgeon, 2nd Battalion (Assault), 25th Aviation Regiment, and Wayne Johnson, an aeromedical physician assistant, 3rd Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment, each received the Society's 2009 Aeromedical Outstanding Achievement Award.
The Society of the United States Army Flight Surgeons exists to foster the professional growth and development of its members and strives to improve the practice of Army Aviation Medicine. Annually, the Society identifies and awards a select few for their contributions to their respective Army aviation units.
Pearson, a native of Oahu, received this year's prestigious Spurgeon H. Neel U.S. Army Distinguished Flight Surgeon award, presented to the Army flight surgeon who personifies the traits and characteristics of the ideal Army flight surgeon. The award's namesake, Maj. Gen. Spurgeon H. Neel, was the Army's first aviation medical officer and was a pioneer in the development of the principles of aeromedical evacuation of battlefield casualties.
According to Lt. Col. Luis R. Rivero, brigade surgeon, 25th CAB, Pearson was instrumental in the mass evacuation of approximately 8,000 patients throughout northern Iraq while deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from Nov. 2006 through Oct. 2008. Pearson's excellence was showcased during two particularly noteworthy events.
In March 2007, a coordinated set of large bombs in Tal Afar, Iraq, left hundreds of Iraqis wounded and quickly overwhelmed the local U.S. military hospitals. Pearson and his team personally treated and transported three severely injured boys, among others, all of whom were on ventilators and required intensive medical care.
About six months later, four massive vehicle-borne IEDs were detonated in a remote part of northern Iraq killing at least 500 people and injuring hundreds more. It was the single deadliest attack of the war. That evening, Pearson and his team, consisting of himself, his aeromedical physician assistant and two medics, would be the main resource to relieve a hospital that was already overwhelmed. When they arrived, Pearson assumed responsibility for the worst 18 patients, all of whom were transferred by helicopter to the Kurdish city of Dahuk. Pearson and his team didn't lose a single patient in flight.
"I do this work and love this work because I really feel like I am making a difference, immediately," said Pearson. "That's gratifying. It's easy to love your job where the benefit of the work is clearly obvious," he continued. Regarding his achievements, Pearson recognized his team.
"It was a tremendous honor to be part of such a great team. We don't work alone and nothing that I've done could have been accomplished without [others.] This award had more to do with the collaborative efforts of a whole lot of different people."
DeBoard and Johnson each received a 2009 Outstanding Achievement Award, presented to an Army flight surgeon and/or aeromedical physician assistant to recognize a specific action or achievement.
For Rivero, DeBoard is a consummate educator and has produced a sustainable system for on-the-spot medic training that encompasses all 25th CAB medics. In addition, in several off-Island training exercises throughout 2008, DeBoard -- on his own initiative -- trained not only his unit's medics, but the medics of other units involved in pre-deployment operations in various medical topics of interest and relevance, and conducted regular, daily medic training lectures and exercises.
Johnson was recognized for his significant role during the 25th CAB's rotation to the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, Calif., in Oct. 2008, according to Rivero. The 25th CAB deployed a task force element, Task Force 3-25, to NTC to support 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division. The task force deployed with a shortage of flight medics, given 1-1 Cav's needs. Foreseeing this shortage, Johnson planned and trained to cover the deficiency by assuming flight medic duties in addition to his deployed physician assistant duties.
For both DeBoard and Johnson, their key to success is their passion for the work.
"I simply enjoy taking care of Soldiers," said DeBoard. "And if my presence gives them the confidence to fight without reservations knowing that I am available to take care of them then my job is done," he said. His colleague agreed.
"I love taking care of patients and getting the sick and wounded back to their families," said Johnson. "As far as the recognition is concerned, I consider training my job. As a medical advisor to the battalion, when a unit is short flight medics it's my job to train them, and to train as many as possible," he continued.
Although each awardee downplayed the significance of his respective accomplishments, the brigade's surgeon wasn't as modest on their behalf.
"It really is remarkable for the 25th CAB to have three providers selected for recognition by the Society," said Rivero. "Understand this: Maj. Pearson and Capts. DeBoard and Johnson were selected and recognized from the Army worldwide," he continued. These awards are truly a testament to their actions, their commitment and their initiative. I'm proud to work and serve with them."
| Date Taken: | 02.20.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 02.20.2009 17:11 |
| Story ID: | 30247 |
| Location: | WHEELER ARMY AIRFIELD, US |
| Web Views: | 528 |
| Downloads: | 319 |
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