An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : Article View
NEWS | April 28, 2021

Pennsylvania Guard medic administers vaccine to father

By Staff Sgt. Oriana White Pennsylvania National Guard

LANCASTER, Pa. - Spc. Mariah Redwood, a combat medic assigned to Company C, 328th Brigade Support Battalion, 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, Pennsylvania Army National Guard, never imagined she'd use her combat medic skills to administer vaccines to civilians. And in this case, not just anyone, but a close family member.

As Redwood prepared medical supplies on a mobile medical cart, her father stretched out his lanky frame on a folding chair nearby and rolled up a sleeve in preparation for his first dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. A retired 21-year veteran of the Coast Guard, Michael Redwood was clearly brimming with pride.

"I think this is amazing. As a parent, you're hardly ever given the opportunity to witness your child at work, let alone something like this where they're working an Army mission," he said. "I think that's a pretty spectacular thing. I'm very proud."

His daughter is a petite 22-year-old with a shy demeanor and engaging smile. She attended the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts in Cambridge, Massachusetts, until her love of medicine won out over her love of food. She decided to take a different career path with the military as a combat medic.

"I've always been so interested in science and the medical aspect of things," she said. "I really wanted to explore my options. Eventually, I want to work at Wellspan Health."

Mariah Redwood has been on state active duty orders since December, administering hundreds of COVID-19 vaccinations.

"Recently, I was at a local gas station and someone there recognized me and told me I'd given them the COVID-19 vaccination," she said. "It was pretty cool. I love being able to help people and help my community. It's really fulfilling."

For Mariah Redwood, the importance of her job within the Pennsylvania Army National Guard as a combat medic cannot be understated.

"I'll definitely stay in this job skill within the military," she said. "I'm really committed because I worked really hard to graduate as a combat medic."

Mariah Redwood finished sterilizing her father's arm and administered the COVID-19 shot quickly and expertly.

"Wow, that was easy," said Michael Redwood." I didn't even feel it."

Father and daughter hug goodbye and Michael Redwood exits the vaccination area as Mariah Redwood tidies up her workspace for the next vaccination.

 

 

Related Articles
U.S. Soldiers with 1st Battalion, 109th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 28th Infantry Division operate an unmanned aerial system and call for artillery fire during a demonstration at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, July 28, 2025. The Soldiers and representatives from Carnegie Mellon University’s Software Engineering Institute demonstrated Project Shrike, an AI-enabled system for rapid target recognition and fire adjustment, by integrating drones and artillery during live-fire training. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. Travis Mueller)
AI, Drones Help Pennsylvania Guard Soldiers Speed Up Artillery Missions
By Maj. Travis Mueller, | Aug. 8, 2025
FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. – Soldiers with the Pennsylvania National Guard’s 1-109th Infantry Regiment are using artificial intelligence and unmanned aerial system technology to make one particular challenge less stressful for...

U.S. Army Pvt. Fatmata Kaikai, assigned to the 1067th Composite Truck Company, 228th Motor Transport Battalion, 213th Regional Support Group, Pennsylvania Army National Guard, climbs a rope during an obstacle course July 22, 2025, at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania. The obstacle course challenges Soldiers’ physical stamina and is usually a precursor to the Air Assault School.
Pennsylvania Guard Completes Confidence Course
By Capt. Angela Clemons, | July 23, 2025
FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa.— Soldiers with the Pennsylvania National Guard's 213th Regional Support Group pushed their physical and mental limits when they completed a confidence course July 22.The event brought together...

U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 108th Medical Company Area Support, 213th Regional Support Group prepare dummies for a simulated casualty evacuation at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, July 17, 2025. The 108th Medical Company engaged in a weeklong field medical exercise to validate their readiness and elevate their medical and basic Soldier skills. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Capt. Christopher Booker)
Pennsylvania Guard Medics Simulate Chaos in Exercise
By Capt. Christopher Booker, | July 18, 2025
FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. - Soldiers assigned to the Pennsylvania National Guard's 108th Medical Company Area Support, 213th Regional Support Group, are engaged in a comprehensive two-week field medical exercise here.The...