Operational Medicine Awards
Flight and Operational Medicine Technician
Staff Sergeant Natasha A. Brooks distinguished herself by meritorious service as Flight and Operational Medicine Technician, 66th Medical Squadron, Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts, from 1 February 2022 to 31 January 2026. Sergeant Brooks was hand-selected for the White House Joint Task Force, overseeing 29 medics in executing 14,000 medical screenings and safeguarding Presidential staff. She led the largest Personnel Reliability and Assurance Program in United States Air Forces in Europe, adjudicating 11,700 records and modernizing ten courses to solidify nuclear capabilities for 35,000 personnel. Additionally, as Flight Medicine Officer in Charge, she overhauled occupational medical exam programs, driving a 94 percent mission-ready rate and propelling Hanscom's readiness 35 percent above the Air Force average. Furthermore, Sergeant Brooks established a weekly walk-in clinic resolving a disease gap for 530 patients, validated 213 competencies for three medics, and led a six-member team that salvaged 36,000 items during the Air Force's largest power failure. Finally, she expanded base resilience instructor capacity by 50 percent and boosted return-to-duty rates by 68 percent for 463 personnel. The distinctive accomplishments of Staff Sergeant Brooks reflect credit upon herself and the United States Air Force.
Flight and Operational Medicine Element Chief
Staff Sergeant Brandi Hood distinguished herself by meritorious service as Flight and Operational Medicine Element Chief, 92d Operational Medical Readiness Squadron, 92d Medical Group, 92d Air Refueling Wing, Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. During this period, the professional skill, leadership, and ceaseless efforts of Sergeant Hood contributed to the effectiveness and success of the squadron. Her oversight of thirty-four training records, validation of life support training for sixty-one members and audits of competency training folders for twenty-eight staff, assured trusted care standards were maintained for over 2,100 patients. Additionally, Sergeant Hood established the Group's Tactical Combat Casualty Care program by certifying thirty-seven instructor cadre while also administering direct instruction to seventy-eight personnel to fulfil a Secretary of Defense training initiative. Furthermore, her execution of 132 medical record reviews and processing of 496 readiness requirements enabled the base's rapid support of Operation ALLIES REFUGE by medically clearing fifty-five warfighters in less than ninety-six hours. Moreover, Sergeant Hood managed the Group's Periodic Health Assessment program by supporting 4,200 patient visits and secured a 99.4 percent completion rate, securing the number one ranked program in command which was crucial to her being recognized as the Squadron's Non-Commissioned Officer of the Quarter. The distinctive accomplishments of Staff Sergeant Hood reflect credit upon herself and the United States Air Force.
Medical Technician
Senior Airman Stephanie M. Moreno distinguished herself by meritorious service as a Medical Technician, Operational Medicine Flight, 27th Special Operations Medical Readiness Squadron, 27th Special Operations Wing, Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico. During this period, Airman Moreno supported clinic operations for four providers, 9,000 appointments, 300 walk-ins, and 110 procedures, securing access to care requirements and generating 2.1 million dollars in healthcare services. As the Operational Medicine Clinic's Equipment Manager and Supply Custodian, she managed a 34,000 dollar budget, governed 350 medical items, and optimized the inventory process, leading to zero logistical gaps for 4,400 appointments. Additionally, Airman Moreno served as a critical member in executing Coronavirus Disease 2019 mission operations, tested 80 deployers for infection in under 48 hours, and readied the 27th Special Operations Wing for three Combatant Command alerts, surpassing Air Force pre-deployment standards by 50 percent. Furthermore, as President, she headed the 27th Special Operations Medical Group Booster Club, chaired 10 meetings, and directed 20 volunteers, ensuring six successful events and raising a total of 5,000 dollars in funding. Finally, Senior Airman Moreno valiantly responded to a suicidal crisis, coordinated care with two agencies, and secured environmental safety, resulting in a life saved. Her actions and heroic efforts earned her the 27th Special Operations Wing Hard Charger award. The distinctive accomplishments of Senior Airman Moreno reflect credit upon herself and the United States Air Force.
Medical Operations Technician
Staff Sergeant Jorge A. Guzman Jr. distinguished himself by outstanding achievement as a Medical Operations Technician while assigned to the Role 1 Medical Treatment Facility, 441st Air Expeditionary Squadron, Kobani Landing Zone, Syria from 11 February 2018 to 20 July 2018. During this period, Sergeant Guzman was pivotal in 24/7 medical operations for over 600 joint service members, including military working dogs, Department of Defense Civilians, Contractors, and Special Operations Joint Task Force in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. Sergeant Guzman provided direct patient care for over 1,438 personnel, coordinated 11 aeromedical evacuations and ensured safe transport to the required higher echelons of care. Furthermore, Sergeant Guzman initiated isolation precautions for 14 personnel during an infectious viral, bacterial, and parasitic outbreak, preventing a base wide epidemic. Additionally, Sergeant Guzman created and led the aid and litter team training program, identifying four casualty collection points, resulting in 29 joint personnel trained for contingency operations. Sergeant Guzman was hand selected to provide medical coverage for Air Force Explosive Ordinance Disposal during an outside the wire mission, resulting in six mortar detonations. Finally, Sergeant Guzman assisted in pharmacy itemization, tracked over 1,000 diverse medications and secured $1.4M in therapeutics. The distinctive accomplishments of Sergeant Guzman reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.