When an emergency arose, Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team Airmen rendered aid to a patron in need while educating the public on Air Force Reserve health professions and medical missions, May 23, 2026, at the Hyundai Air and Sea Show.
Air Force Reserve recruiters, 351st Recruiting Squadron, Homestead Air Reserve Base, Florida, hosted LAMAT, a team comprised of Air Force medical professionals, at the Hyundai Air and Sea Show Military Village when a patron approached in the midst of a medical emergency, due to extreme heat and dehydration. LAMAT Airmen sprang to action in a real-world scenario to render aid and provide relief.
“Moments like this highlight how civilian expertise of Citizen Airmen directly supports both the Air Force mission and the communities we serve,” said Lt. Col. John “DRE” Beshai, commander, 926th Aerospace Medicine Squadron, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. “It was a strong example of teamwork, readiness, and the seamless integration of military and civilian medical experience.”
The duo highlighted the “Reserve Advantage,” which emphasizes flexible service opportunities, dual-career development, and the critical role of Citizen Airmen in delivering medical care to a global theater. The Recruiters and 2026 LAMAT joined forces to share how Reservists made up 193 of 230, or 84 percent of participants, spanning from the Caribbean to the Amazon to provide medical care, but during the event were met with a real-world call to action.
“It was great working with the recruiters, as I was able to answer many questions from a medical perspective,” said Maj. Tina Palone, nurse practitioner, 926th Aerospace Medicine Squadron, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. “I had several people ask about joining the military, specifically in medical careers with a degree, and it was rewarding to share information about the different pathways and opportunities available.”
Master Sgt. Cullen Gazda, health profession recruiter, 367th Recruiting Group, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, explained that the AFR has open positions for licensed medical professionals like residency-trained physicians, dentists, and internal medicine professionals. These Airmen collaborated seamlessly while answering the patron’s call at a moment's notice.
“Collaborating with LAMAT Airmen was truly a blessing in disguise,” said Senior Master Sgt. Badin Phromisri, flight chief, 351 RCS, Homestead ARB, Florida. “Witnessing their culture, mission, and expertise firsthand was an incredible experience. During an emergency involving a young woman in need of immediate medical care, the LAMAT reacted in the blink of an eye, providing critical care and support until she could be safely transported. Their professionalism, readiness, and dedication were nothing short of inspiring.”
The value added was unmatched, preventing dire consequences and educating the Miami community.
“Working alongside the AFR HP recruiters at the air show was a great opportunity to demonstrate the value and professionalism of our Citizen Airmen to the community,” said Beshai. “During the event, myself, as a civilian cardiologist, along with a LAMAT teammate, [Palone] nurse practitioner, were able to provide an immediate response to a young woman who suddenly became unstable and collapsed, successfully stabilizing her and handing her off to EMS personnel for transport to a medical facility.”
The 351 RCS was proud to support the 2026 LAMAT of Palone, Beshai, Master Sgt. Yesenia Benjamin, superintendent, International Health Specialist Division, under the 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) Office of the Command Surgeon, headquartered at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, and Master Sgt. Felicia Buccieri, Medical Admin, health services management technician, 482d Medical Squadron, Homestead ARB, Florida. These medical professionals are hand-selected from across the U.S. Air Force to answer the call for global health engagements, and you could be too.
To learn more about serving in the Air Force, Air National Guard or Air Force Reserve, go to www.airforce.com/find-a-recruiter or download the AIM HIGH app to speak directly with a recruiter.