EVENSVILLE, Tenn. — Ohio Air National Guard members arrived July 9 in Tennessee to participate in Operation Healthy Tennessee, an initiative that offers the public no-cost medical, dental, optometry, nutritional education, counseling and veterinary services from credentialed medical providers.
Members of the U.S. Active Component Air Force, U.S. Army Reserve, U.S. Navy Reserve and U.S. Air Force Reserve also are participating in the Innovative Readiness Training program Operation Healthy Tennessee in Tennessee’s Rhea and Bledsoe counties.
Operation Healthy Tennessee also provides military members with the opportunity to bring service members from across the total joint force together, creating an environment where training and readiness can thrive.
Anyone 3 years and older will be offered care on a first-come, first-served basis, without requiring ID, income or residency information, thereby greatly expanding the opportunity for services without restriction.
“I want the community members to know that we're here for you”, said 1st Lt. Danielle Llyod, officer in charge of the Operation Healthy Tennessee mission. “We're here to get you the medical care that you need, and provide access to dental care, optometry care and medical care at no-cost to you. We're here for you, so please show up, please come see us.”
The Innovative Readiness Training Program is a U.S. Department of Defense initiative that provides real-world, hands-on training opportunities for military units while delivering critical services to American communities in need.
“This training actually helps improve military mission readiness across the globe,” said Capt. Ralph Garcia, officer in charge of Operation Healthy Tennessee in Bledsoe County. “We are here to train and provide services for real-world readiness.”
The Innovative Readiness Training Program facilitates the sharing of Department of Defense and community resources, driving cost efficiencies for both entities. Continued advocacy and collaboration continue to build confidence in the program's effectiveness, enhancing military readiness across the Department of Defense while simultaneously helping even more U.S. communities in need.