DEMOPOLIS, Ala. - Air National Guard service members along with the Air Force, Navy and Army have been providing medical, ophthalmology and dental support services to residents in parts of Alabama as part of Alabama Care 2012, an Innovative Readiness Training mission running through May 10.
ANG members said they are expected to assist more than 1,200 residents who are in need of medical services.
Three field-operated medical facilities were set up in the communities of Selma, Demopolis and Hayneville, and provides deployment and readiness training to service members while simultaneously providing free medical, dental, ophthalmology services to the community.
"This is a remarkable mission for [ANG] members to be a part of, said Air Force Lt. Col. Dwight Hall, the IRT program manager. "They can work alongside of other branches of the military, conduct training that they may not be able to receive at their home units, enhance their job skills within a deployed environment without bullets flying over their heads and also help the community all at the same time."
Hall said his goal is for to focus on training junior enlisted and officers, allowing them to gain knowledge and enhance their skills in a deployed environment.
"It is wonderful training for enlisted folks, our officers, and our nurses ... from a leadership and organizational standpoint, said Air Force Lt. Col. Gary Foskey, a doctor with the Ohio Air National Guard's 178th Medical Squadron. "It's great for everyone from a training perspective. By continuing IRT missions, we are much better prepared if we do need to deploy somewhere for a flood, hurricane or combat environment; we can also identify problems within the community so that they can get help."
And many local residents have benefitted as well.
"If you look at the line we have today - it's a true blessing that [the military] came here to help, and I want to thank God for the military being here," said one Alabama resident who did not give their name. "It is so beneficial ... we have a lot of people with diabetes... people need to go to the dentists, but can't afford it. I thank the military and Selma Mayor [George P.] Evans for allowing Alabama Care to come to Dallas County, Selma!"