Photo By Staff Sgt. Mikayla Fritz | U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 987th Medical Detachment (Blood Support), 145th...... read more read more
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QUEENSLAND, Australia – U.S. and Australian medical units worked shoulder to shoulder throughout July 2025 during Exercise Talisman Sabre 25 in Queensland, Australia, by integrating capabilities, exchanging expertise, and building lasting relationships while providing essential care and support across the joint multinational battlefield.
Among those supporting the mission were U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers from the 145th Multifunctional Medical Battalion, the 987th Medical Detachment (Blood Support), and the Australian Defence Force’s 2nd Health Battalion.
“The 987th’s mission is to provide blood products in the theater of operations, and we are also in charge of the walking blood bank certifications,” said Sgt. 1st Class Daniel Henscheid, detachment sergeant assigned to the 987th. “Here, we’re working directly with the Australian laboratory, exchanging protocols and helping further their blood program, which is still in its infancy.”
The Australian Defence Force, 2nd Health Battalion pathology department “is responsible for, biochemistry, hematology, blood banking and as of 2025, Talisman Saber, we provide frozen blood as well as our emergency donor panel” said Capt. Megan Stoikov, a pathology officer with 2HB.
“I feel very lucky to be working with the 987th,” said Stoikov. “We are doing a lot of cross training between countries and working on our protocols from their walking blood bank or our emergency donor panel.”
According to Henscheid, the best aspect of the exercise is the hands-on training and camaraderie with the Australian Defence Force. He emphasized that expanding knowledge is beneficial not only to the organization but to each individual.
“I used my military education to get my foot in the door,” said Henscheid. He applied the skills he learned in the Army lab to his civilian job, where he now works as a field service engineer for medical equipment.
As members of the Army Reserve, not all Soldiers in the unit perform the same roles in their civilian careers, but each brings unique skills. Soldiers from the 145th highlighted the value of participating in Talisman Sabre.
“This is my first time doing this in real life,” said Staff Sgt. Khoi Do, assigned to the 145th. “It’s a real challenge and a great experience for anyone who’s never deployed before. We’re getting to use our skills in an actual mission. My role is patient administration. We track all U.S. military personnel and DoD (Department of Defense) civilians. We ensure they’re getting the care they need and that they’re able to return to duty.”
Sgt. Kyle Canchico, also with the 145th, emphasized the unique opportunity for U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers to operate in a large-scale, multinational setting.
“This exercise has been a great chance to strengthen bonds, not just with Australians, but with other partner nations too,” said Canchico. “We’re trading culture, knowledge, and even patches.”
The 145th MMB “provides medical support, such as patient tracking, coordinating evacuations with patients and providing medical logistical support,” said Canchico.
The 987th MD (BS) falls under the 145th MMB, which also oversees and supports operations conducted by the 710th Medical Company Area Support, an Illinois National Guard unit, and the 61st Medical Detachment (Preventive Medicine), an active-duty unit based at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
The 61st conducts base camp assessments to minimize hazards and the spread of disease. If a Soldier does fall ill or is injured, the 710th MCAS serves as the primary field hospital for U.S. military personnel. They provide medical care and report all patient data to the 145th, which tracks patient movement and trends.
The collaboration extended beyond military function, fostering professional growth and international friendships.
“Living and working alongside the Australians has been the best experience I’ve ever had on a field exercise,” said Henscheid. “I hope I get to do this again.”
As Talisman Sabre 25 continues, medical teams from both nations demonstrate that readiness is built on trust, adaptability, and a shared commitment to caring for those who serve.
| Date Taken: | 07.24.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 07.30.2025 17:04 |
| Story ID: | 544161 |
| Location: | QUEENSLAND, AU |
| Web Views: | 86 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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