Photo By Spc. Kameron Spencer | Soldiers from Kosovo Force 35 medevac team conduct hoist training during a medevac...... read more read more
In the rolling hills of Sarajevo, where NATO missions converge to ensure stability and security, two specialized U.S. Army teams came together with one mission in mind: to care for soldiers and strengthen multinational readiness. Task Force Medical and Task Force Aviation not only provided essential healthcare to American troops stationed at Camp Butmir but also reinforced medical evacuation capabilities through training and partnership with regional allies.
For years, U.S. personnel at Camp Butmir faced a two-day journey to Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo, to receive medical services. This deployment changed that. Task Force Medical, coordinated by Lt. Col. Bernard, Staff Sgt. LeBlanc, and 1st Sgt. Piazza brought medical personnel directly to Camp Butmir. In just two trips, the team treated nearly 20 patients, ranging from routine dental care to chronic pain management.
“The primary goal was to enhance medical readiness,” said Piazza. “Soldiers shouldn’t have to wait days to receive care. By bringing providers forward, we can meet their needs where they are.”
Logistics played a critical role in these missions, with coordination covering personnel, housing, and transportation. Lessons learned included the efficiency of air travel compared to ground transportation, as well as documentation requirements for badging and housing. Building on these experiences, planning is already underway for future missions that will expand available services, such as optometry, to further support soldiers at Camp Butmir.
Running in parallel with the medical outreach was the work of the Task Force Aviation MEDEVAC team. Under the leadership of 2nd Lt. Dustin Haubner, the aeromedical evacuation officer, the team transported providers and equipment between Camp Bondsteel and Camp Butmir while also integrating with Bosnian forces and conducting joint training with NATO partners, particularly Romanian MEDEVAC units.
“Our role wasn’t just transport,” said Haubner. “We worked with Bosnian and Romanian forces to share knowledge, demonstrate hoist operations, and build a foundation for future joint missions.”
One mission highlight was a live hoist demonstration, designed to showcase U.S. capabilities and strengthen interoperability. Training modules included both introductory and advanced sessions, focusing on aircrew familiarization and medical equipment. These exchanges gave Romanian and Bosnian partners direct exposure to U.S. MEDEVAC standards and opened the door for more complex, hands-on training in the future.
The planning required coordination across Task Force Medical, Task Force Aviation, and Camp Butmir leadership. Factors such as cross-border diplomatic clearances, hospital landing procedures, and communication protocols were all carefully considered to ensure safe and effective operations.
Together, Task Force Medical and Task Force Aviation delivered direct medical services to 18 U.S. soldiers at Camp Butmir, reduced the strain of long-distance travel for medical care, and established a framework for sustained healthcare rotations. At the same time, they advanced NATO interoperability, improved MEDEVAC readiness, and built relationships with Romanian and Bosnian partners.
“The most valuable outcome was building relationships face to face with our NATO counterparts,” said Haubner.
“Understanding each other’s capabilities ensures that when a real-world mission happens, we’re ready.”
Looking ahead, these missions in Bosnia are not one-off events but steppingstones toward long-term sustainment. Future rotations will expand medical support to include additional specialties, while the aviation MEDEVAC team continues refining coordination with multinational forces.
“Our goal is long-term sustainment,” said Piazza. “Medical support at Camp Butmir is now a proven asset, and we want to ensure continuity for the units that come after us.”
By combining medical outreach with MEDEVAC training, Task Force Medical and Task Force Aviation not only delivered care where it was needed most but also strengthened NATO’s ability to respond together. These missions brought healthcare closer to soldiers, reduced barriers to treatment, and forged bonds with NATO partners that will extend far beyond the flight line.
| Date Taken: | 09.10.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 09.24.2025 07:37 |
| Story ID: | 548361 |
| Location: | BA |
| Web Views: | 138 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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