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Ohio Air National Guard Medical Groups train, assist at Ramstein Air Base

  • Published
  • By Airman First Class
  • 178th Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  More than 80 medical group members from the 121st Air Refueling Wing, 178th Wing, 179th Airlift Wing and 180th Fighter Wing deployed to Ramstein Air Base, Germany, July 9-23 to complete annual training.

The Ohio Air National Guard medical groups traveled to Ramstein to gain perspective on the operational mission and  to receive hands-on training from active duty counterparts.

The medical group Airmen helped to backfill positions at Ramstein during the permanent change of station (PCS) season.

"It's been a great joint venture not only for the state of Ohio but for the active duty Air Force, as well," said Col. Charles Shurlow, the 178th MDG  commander.

The annual training trip served a multi-functional mission. Guardsmen assisted the active duty side, and active duty Airmen trained Guardsmen to prepare for deployments.

Medical group members that specialize in public health participated in a tick drag on base to gain training on environmental surveillance. Surveying local insect species is useful to keep bases free of disease-carrying insects.

The dental personnel assisted their active duty counterparts by conducting oral examinations, performing oral surgeries, and assisting with record keeping.

Other members of the medical group learned new patient care software that helps to organize and to keep an accurate account of a patient's medical history.

Medical group members also assisted in the bioenvironmental, general practice and  orderly room sections of the Ramstein clinic.   

"I'm very proud of the professionalism on this trip," Shurlow said, who helped to coordinate the integration of the Guardsmen and the active duty Airmen throughout the trip.