Flight paramedic looks back on her experience in Combined Resolve XIII

Photo By Master Sgt. Garrick Morgenweck | U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Macia McNeill, 68WF2 Critical Care Flight Paramedic with Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division pauses for a momentary portrait during Combined Resolve XIII, Jan. 30, 2020. Combined Resolve XIII is a Headquarters Department of the Army directed Multinational Unified Land Operation exercise with the U.S. Regionally Aligned Force Brigade in support of European Command (EUCOM) objectives. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Garrick W. Morgenweck)  

HOHENFELS, BY, GERMANY

02.03.2020

Story by Sgt. 1st Class Garrick Morgenweck 

Joint Multinational Readiness Center

HOHENFELS, Germany- Sgt. 1st Class Marcia McNeill is a critical care flight paramedic from Chicago, Illinois with Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, known as “Marne Dustoff.” The unit is part of the U.S. Regionally Aligned Force and has been in Europe for the last several months. Combined Resolve XIII was the unit’s first rotation, although they have been spread throughout Europe since they arrived.

When asked what she personally expected to get from Combined Resolve XIII, she replied, “I expected to work alongside our foreign allies and build on the interoperability. I had the opportunity to not only experience a multinational force but also the Role Ones and Role Two that were part of the 1st Cavalry Division.” However, her best moments came when an unexpected aeromedical training event with the Dutch 43rd Medical Company happened.

“The MED 101 training I have conducted before has primarily been to U.S. ground units. For the most part, they understand our capabilities as far as medical evacuation is concerned. The Dutch doctors and nurses did not fully understand the level of certification required for a 68WF2 Flight Paramedic. It was great to have an opportunity to bridge the gap, so they understand what our medical equipment, transport capabilities, and patient care involve.”

Combined Resolve XIII was also a test of her mettle. Towards the end of the rotation her crew was called into the Role Two to pick up wounded and transport them to a higher level of care. As the HH-60M Blackhawk helicopter approached, the crew noticed gunfire from an OPFOR assault. When asked about the incident, Sgt. 1st Class McNeill stated, “I would have left the aircraft in an attempt to find my patients,” holding true to the Dustoff motto, “When I have your wounded.”

“It was a great experience. I am looking forward to future training and operations with our multinational partners,” said McNeill. Charlie Company flew over 12 hours in a multitude of weather conditions, transporting over 27 patients between roles of care during Combined Resolve XIII.

Combined Resolve XIII is a Headquarters Department of the Army directed Multinational Unified Land Operation exercise with the U.S. Regionally Aligned Force Brigade in support of European Command (EUCOM) objectives. The exercise involves more than 5,000 service members at U.S. Army Europe’s Grafenwoehr and Hohenfels Training Areas. Combined Resolve XIII builds readiness and interoperability, promotes regional stability and enhances relationships between allied and partner nations.

• Date Taken: 02.03.2020
• Date Posted: 02.05.2020 13:38
• Story ID: 361768
• Location: HOHENFELS, BY, DE
• Hometown: CHICAGO, IL, US