UNIVERSITY CITY, Mich. – The Michigan National Guard helped health officials vaccinate 2,600 residents from three counties in a mass COVID-19 vaccination event March 6-7 at Delta College.
The extraordinary volume of vaccinations administered during a two-day indoor/outdoor clinic could not have been accomplished without the partnership of the Michigan National Guard and the Bay, Midland and Saginaw county health departments.
The logistics to plan the large-scale event required a high level of organization and plenty of people. Thirty COVID-19 Testing Teams (CVTT) consisting of more than 90 Soldiers and Airmen from the MING assembled on the south side of the campus parking lot to administer the COVID-19 vaccine through eight drive-up lanes. An additional 13 stations were set-up in the campus gymnasium.
“The eight weeks of planning for this weekend event is proving to be a complete success,” said U.S. Army Capt. Jacob Burt, commanding officer of the 107th Engineer Battalion, Michigan Army National Guard, and the CVTT officer in charge. “The hard work of our Soldiers and Airmen combined with the local health department workers is nothing short of extraordinary.”
“The line of cars with up to three occupants filling the campus stretched out to the main road, had to be directed, processed and vaccinated in an extremely organized manner,” Burt said. “Our Soldiers and Airmen executed the process in the most proficient way.”
The enthusiasm of those receiving the vaccine did not go unnoticed.
“I could not feel better about what I am doing today,” said U.S. Army Spc. Nathan Koweck, combat medic mobilized with Michigan’s CVTT Task Force Spartan since Jan. 21. “I’m giving hope and an assurance that things will be normal again, and there is a special feeling I have for the people I vaccinate. The majority of them thank me, but in reality, I am the thankful one to be part of this great venture.”
Although it is March, Michigan’s temperatures didn’t affect outside operations.
“Despite cold temperatures, people receiving the vaccine and volunteers alike have been gracious, patient and excited,” said Daisy McQuiston, associate professor, program coordinator of nursing, at Delta College. “Another clinic is being put together for the weekend of April 10 and 11, and we are very happy to know we can count on the MING to work with us side by side once again.”
MING Soldiers and Airmen spent several months testing for COVID-19 throughout the state and assisting at food banks and regional care facilities. In recent months, the MING began supporting Michigan’s vaccination efforts.
“I am very happy to see our eight weeks of hard work come to fruition,” said Burt. “Thanks to the tricounty health department workers, Delta faculty, staff, students, volunteers, and a big thanks to the ones who made me proud – the hard-working Citizen-Soldiers and -Airmen.”