COVID Test Site NCOIC
1. From April 8, 2021 to July 1, 2021, Staff Sergeant Miller served as a Squad leader to general purpose service members at the Monroe Covid-19 Test site at Monroe Community College. During this time, I was SSG Miller's reporting supervisor. In this short period, SSG Miller became a valued member of our team and made contributions to our section by executing the tasks of our job.
2. Upon arrival, SSG Miller lead a squad of up to 50 service members, providing dynamic information to 8 different team leaders, often with short suspense. This information ensured service members were capable of being in the right place, at the right time, and in the right uniform/PPE.
3. SSG Miller used all available resources to accomplish all missions assigned, always going above and beyond. In turn, this enabled service members to provide COVID-19 testing site support and assisted DOH team medical staff in performing over 170,000 COVID-19 tests on New York citizens.
Connecticut ARNG COVID Response
For superior service as Health Care Specialist from 12 October 2021 to 10 December 2021. During this period, Specialist Fauci personally assisted in the vaccination of over 600 service members and civilians in support of the COVID 19 vaccination mission and helped the vaccine team reach its goal of completing over 3500 vaccinations in less than 30 days. He demonstrated dedication to his profession as a health care professional, with patience and compassion which reduced vaccine fear and hesitation in his patients. His diligent support of the mission was a vital factor in the Connecticut ARNG achieving its goal of vaccinating everyone who wanted to be vaccinated and limiting the spread of the disease. Specialist Fauci's performance reflects great credit upon himself, the 602nd Area Support Medical Company, 44th Medical Brigade and the United States Army.
Niger COVID Support
Major Susan Sullivan distinguished herself by outstanding achievement as the COVID Response Team Flight Commander, 768th Expeditionary Air Base Squadron, 409th Air Expeditionary Group, 435th Air Expeditionary Wing, Niamey, Niger. During this period, the outstanding professional skill, leadership and ceaseless efforts of Major Sullivan contributed to the effectiveness of the Joint Special Operations Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance program by providing preventive and emergency medical support. She directly supported six named operations by spearheading Coronavirus care and leading the implementation of the Coronavirus vaccination plan at Air Base 101. Her initiative facilitated the vaccination of over 300 joint personnel, ensuring full mission readiness of the Special Operations members stationed there. Additionally, Major Sullivan led a six member Coronavirus Team in caring for quarantined and isolated patients resulting in a rapid return to duty for all patients. Further, she supported multinational efforts with NATO partner forces to provide contingency emergency medical support for their vaccination efforts. Finally, she also acted as the trauma subject matter expert while in this austere forward operating location, leading care for two multi-casualty events and playing a key role in the survival of all victims transported to her location. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Major Sullivan reflect great credit upon herself and the United States Air Force.
Staff Sergeant John S. Turnkey distinguished himself by outstanding achievement as Lead Corona Virus Team Medical Technician, 768th Expeditionary Air Base Squadron, 409th Air Expeditionary Group, 435th Air Expeditionary Wing, Niamey, Niger. During this period, Staff Sergeant Turnkey supported operations Juniper Micron, Juniper Shield, New Normal, and Odyssey Resolve during the Coronavirus pandemic and led the implementation of the West African Coronavirus vaccination plan. He worked tirelessly to ensure full vaccination of 326 joint service personnel stationed at five outposts in Mali, Niger, and Chad. As lead medical technician, he managed a $1.5 million Intensive Care Unit, caring for an average of 40 isolation and quarantine patients. Additionally, as team Education Manager, he briefed 200 joint personnel on the COVID vaccine, boosting acceptance by nearly 20 percent. SSgt Turnkey assisted Role 1, managing 33 patients, $1.3 million in assets, and saving $300,000 in evacuation costs. Finally, SSgt Turnkey responded to an Improvised Explosive Device multi-casualty event, managing two patients and performing five procedures. The distinctive accomplishments of Sergeant Turnkey reflect credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
During this period, Airman Ellen Fenway served as the only respiratory therapist in a 2.7 million square mile Area of Responsibility, directly impacting 235 joint missions. Airman Fenway worked tirelessly to organize vaccination clinics for 400+ joint international personnel from four West African countries, increasing the base vaccination rate by over 15 percent. Additionally, she cross trained as a laboratory technician and, in that capacity, managed $250,000 worth of equipment and evaluated 270 corona virus tests, saving more than $60,000 in outsourcing costs. Further, she established an emergency ventilator management program and trained 13 Soldiers in its use, elevating medical readiness in this austere Area of Responsibility. Moreover, Airman Fenway fortified the capabilities of the Ground Surgical Team by completing 24 hours of operating room training, increasing manning by one hundred percent and providing life saving surgical care. Finally, she provided airway management and assisted in damage control surgery for two patients involved in two mass casualty events resulting in the survival of all victims involved. The distinctive accomplishments of Airman Fenway reflect credit upon herself and the United States Air Force.
Florida National Guard COVID Support
For meritorious service while serving as the Logistics Operations Officer for the State of Florida Department of Emergency Management during the COVID-19 Federal activation from 1 April to 1 December 2020. Lieutenant Jackson's leadership and partnership with the state of Florida successfully provided the citizens of Florida with the proper testing and protection needed to endure one of the worst pandemics in history. Lieutenant Jackson's dedication to duty and sacrifice were integral to the success of the state and Federal efforts and reflected great credit upon himself, the 144th Transportation Company, the 254th Transportation Battalion, the 50th Readiness Support Group, the Florida National Guard and the United States Army.
Colorado National Guard COVID Support
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AND SELFLESS SERVICE WHILE ASSIGNED TO JOINT TASK FORCE CENTENNIAL FROM 10 MAY 2019 TO 31 MARCH 2021. SERGEANT FIRST CLASS BAILEY DEMONSTRATED EXTRAORDINARY LEADERSHIP AND DEDICATION DURING THE JOINT TASK FORCE CENTENNIAL SUPPORT MISSIONS DURING THE COVID-19 GLOBAL PANDEMIC. HIS LEADERSHIP DIRECTLY IMPACTED MISSION SUCCESS AND HIS INNOVATIVE IMPROVEMENTS CONTINUALLY INCREASED EFFICIENCY AND MORALE. SERGEANT FIRST CLASS BAILEY'S DEDICATED SERVICE REFLECTS GREAT CREDIT UPON HIMSELF, THE COLORADO NATIONAL GUARD AND THE UNITED STATES ARMY.
Nebraska ARNG COVID Screening
FOR EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE DURING NEBRASKA'S PUBLIC HEALTH COVID-19 PANDEMIC RESPONSE. RANK FIRST LAST NAME, SERVICE, DIRECTLY SUPPORTED THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT DISTRICT VACCINATION DISTRIBUTION PLAN IN AN ADMINISTRATIVE / MEDICAL ROLE TO PLAN, EXECUTE AND VACCINATE XX,XXXX NEBRASKANS THROUGH COMMUNITY VACCINE CLINICS FROM JANUARY 2021 UNTIL XXXX 2021. HIS/ HER DEDICATION TO DUTY REFLECTS GREAT CREDIT UPON HIM/HERSELF, THE NEBRASKA NATIONAL GUARD DOMESTIC OPERATIONS AND THE UNITED STATES ARMY.
California ARNG COVID Response
For exceptionally meritorious achievement while serving as a Physician's Assistant and Officer In Charge from 20 September 2020 to 14 April 2021. Lieutenant Silver directed over 40 Army and Air Force service members in support of California and the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Medical Response during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her outstanding leadership, professionalism, and Soldier care efforts significantly reduced the impact of COVID-19 across the state. Her distinguished service and devotion to duty reflect distinct credit upon herself, the 297th Area Support Medical Company, the California Army National Guard and the United States Army.
QRF/JTF Capital Response COVID Screening
Deployed to National Capital Region (NCR) 16 Jan 2021 to 23 Jan 2021 in support of the 59th POTUS inauguration and oversaw COVID screening of military and Capital personnel for the duration of the deployment. As the only emergency COVID screening response team, he was on call around the clock throughout the entire event resulting in no new infections. In addition, he served as a media representative and spokesman and coordinated with the PAO and WJCL news, emphasizing the Guard's positive role while maintaining a positive rapport with the media and the public.
Task Force 51 COVID-19 Pandemic Response 2022
As Task Force Respiratory Therapist, Staff Sergeant Baltimor demonstrated outstanding professional skill and tireless efforts in providing critical care for high acuity adult patients with an unprecedented mortality rate in a 25 in-patient unit and 19 clinics, with 100 ventilatory capabilities. Additionally, she rendered over 200 man-hours in the Medical Surgical Unit, the Intensive Care Unit, and the Cardiovascular Recovery Unit. Finally, she supported the Department of Defense emergency response directive and facilitated the United States Army Northern Command's effort to stabilize the civilian sector of 1800 healthcare workers in a 317-bed hospital.
As the sole Air Force Respiratory Therapist with Neonatal care experience, Technical Sergeant Robinson provided a 50 percent manning increase supporting Northern Louisiana's only Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for infants born before 32 weeks. He performed 168 neonatal checks, 1.3K blood gas, and attended 21 emergency deliveries. Additionally, Technical Sergeant Robinson supported 25 in-patient units, 19 clinics, and over one hundred ventilators, expanding emergency services by twenty five percent. Finally, he helped stabilize the availability and capacity of the civilian sector's 1,800 healthcare workers.
13A/BN XO
Soldier's efforts resulted in over 10,000 room-nights of occupation in the AA, a 94% occupancy rate. The AA distributed nearly $35,000 worth of supplies and managed a fleet of short term rentals that covered over 3000 miles without incident or accident. During this time the 1-119th was called twice to SAD in which MAJ Mason played a crucial role in communicating with the BN the 272d RSG and JFHQ capabilities of the battalion while maintaining current COVID operations within the AA.
Daily operation of the battalion did not cease. Soldier continued to perform the role of BN XO ensuring maintenance and logistics concerns of the 1-119th were addressed. His efforts enabled the staff to provide timely and accurate information to develop COAs in support of MTOE training as directed by the ATAG and in support of the TAG guidance to support Northern Strike 20. The battalion also was able to improve OR rate to 98% and to clear over 90 pieces totaling $2,667,000 of excess equipment.
Made daily coordinations with several Task Forces, increasing interface between middle managers and senior leadership. This dramatically improved operational awareness of the deploying and redeploying of 300 Soldiers, procuring and size testing of vital PPE for 28 COVID Test Teams and planning for and scheduling with civilian providers COVID testing for Soldiers. Soldier's communication skills and planning was the singular vital element in the execution of the mission.
Due to his professionalism and unlimited leadership potential, Soldier was selected to serve as Assembly Area Lugnuts OIC, serving with distinction, honor, and commitment from 20200501 thru 20200717 in support of the State of Michigan's response to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Soldier provided Subject Matter Expertise, oversight, and supervision of all operations and logistical efforts of the Assembly Area used to stage 200 Soldiers fighting the pandemic while directly supervising 24 Soldiers.
During this period, Sergeant Goodman arranged and assembled a complete 9-person medical strike team in less than 24 hours to provide staffing assistance and manpower to a local nursing home facility. Due to his leadership and rapid response, the medical strike team at the nursing home facility prevented further spread of COVID-19 and negated the need to evacuate 37 uninfected patients. Additionally, he expanded mission support to seven other at-risk facilities, which led to the efficient processing of over 2,000 COVID-19 tests and more than 200 N-95 respirator fittings for civilian and military personnel. Sergeant Goodman's leadership and selfless devotion to duty enhanced operational support and ensured mission accomplishment. His outstanding performance and vigilance ensured the safety of his subordinates and service members returning from COVID-19 related domestic operations.
Outstanding achievement while serving as a member of the Covid 19 Task Force, Joint Forces Headquarters, Montgomery, Alabama. During his tenure, Staff Sergeant Jonathan Young supported the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) by engineering software changes to Alabama's component of the National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NEDSS) to optimize contact tracing efficiency. He also assisted in developing the evolving standard operating procedures designed to expand, improve, and expedite contact tracing efficiency by modifying procedures used by third party vendors and the Alabama Department of Public Health. Further, Staff Sergeant Young managed the Information Technology inventory, digital operations work flow, and mitigated network downtime for a Joint Task Force of 30 Soldiers and 10 Airmen, enabling the completion of over 10,000 contact traces and interviews.
As Team Lead, Sergeant Morrison's dedication to duty contributed greatly to the overall accomplishment of the COVID-19 Mapping Mission on Terry Campus, Delaware. He assisted in developing quality check procedures for all calls made at the Terry Campus. He acted as the subject matter expert on the REDCAP system which garnered him wide acclaim by the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) and the Center of Disease Control (CDC) staff. His meticulous efforts resulted in less than four percent errors site wide.
SGT Young demonstrated a high level of competence and professionalism while serving as the NCOIC of the JTF 56 Bravo and Charlie teams. As NCOIC, she was responsible for the welfare, accountability, and mission readiness of 42 Soldiers, their safety, and the serviceability of their assigned equipment valued at over 200,000 thousand dollars with zero discrepancies. She consistently proved to be a valued asset to the battalion by ensuring her teams were technically and tactically proficient while tasked during the TXARNG COVID 19 mission.
With only a seven-soldier medical team, the members of the 804th Team 26 ICW provided patient care to two complete wards of COVID-19 patients including admitting new patients and overseeing overflow ICU patients.
Lt Sullyvan was responsible for the continual accountability of 20 Soldiers. Her team included eight field grade medical officers and she was responsible for receiving and disseminating information to ensure clear communication channels. She conducted comprehensive sanitation and virus containment inspections, addressing major faults and improving the preventative medicine section ensuring a more effective and efficient disease prevention program while minimizing unnecessary exposure to CoVID-19 and maximizing the capabilities of Javitz New York Medical Station capabilities.
During the mobilization, Captain Shelton provided coverage for sick call for the UAMTF 8-01, ensuring the health and well being of the 86 personnel assigned. He worked regularly to maintain readiness and motivation of enlisted soldiers and fellow officers. He regularly demonstrated skill in providing wise counsel and guidance to his subordinates, leading to efficient operation and maximizing the effect of joint efforts. During the mobilization he strategically focused on achieving results.
SGT Young helped organize and manage the COVID-19 testing site at Butler stadium. He led nine Soldiers and ensured accountability of both peers and higher ranking personnel every morning. He took charge of two teams and set up testing sites at Butler stadium. His team maintained an average time of four minutes per test for citizens who were performing the COVID-19 self-administration test. This allowed the SMRT to conduct 500 tests in six hours which is the maximum number of tests that could be performed due to laboratory testing limitations. 330 tests were the most that have been performed prior to this.
Serving as an interim Transportation Coordinator supervisor for the 44th Medical Brigade, he managed the expeditious transfer of 66 patients needing advanced life-saving measures to a higher echelon of care including the USNS Comfort, patient transfers to skilled nursing facilities, shelter placements, and 668 patients being discharged to home with an unprecedented 280 hours of focused care in the span of 30 days. He provided an accurate reporting of all patient movements which allowed bed managers to accurately assess the bed status at the peak of 49% census.
During this period, as Combat Medic for Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, I Corps, Specialist Carter's professionalism and ceaseless efforts contributed to the effectiveness and success of the Battalion Aid Station (BAS) during the outbreak of Covid-19. During this difficult time, Specialist Carter was transferred from another unit to the BAS and was forced to work from home part time. His knowledge of medical systems and services proved to be essential for the continuity and function of the BAS. His continuous perseverance allowed the BAS to inventory all medical equipment and supplies and input into M3PT and DCAM to demonstrate what essential resources were needed to complete sets for mission capability.
From 5 March 2020 until 25 April 2020, Private First Class Johnson, an Environmental Health Technician, was assigned to assist the Army Public Health nurse and the Epidemiology Technician as a member of the Fort Polk COVID-19 Epidemiology Contact Tracing Team. Her duties included maintaining data bases, contacting quarantined individuals daily for health checks and assisting in case documentation. PFC Johnson's dedication to detail, professional manner and willingness to work nights and weekends were essential to the early sucsess of the overall mission.
SGT Schaetzel, Lab NCOIC, volunteered his time and efforts to alleviate a staffing emergency at TMC Buehring. SGT Schaetzel worked with senior medics to train and qualify in emergency medical care as well as provide lab services to the TMC during off-duty hours. SGT Schaetzel's service helped keep the 411th HC FWD team meet mission requirements in a time of critical need.
SFC Baker was assigned as the Operations Officer for Team 25, where he was charged with coordinating daily operations for a team of 33 troops including 22 Army and seven Air Force personnel. SFC Baker contributed to the success of JTF-64 mission objectives by overseeing daily operations of TF-Delta Team 25 during specimen collection. He managed daily scheduling and personnel assignments and provided guidance to the scheduling team to ensure three specimen collection stations remained manned by qualified personnel and fully operational at all times. His efforts increased collection capacity by 30%, reduced client wait times by 15 minutes and contributed to a 400% increase in test collection volume.
SPC Truman, in his capacity as a member of the Arizona National Guard, served as medical support for the main gate Entry Control Point (ECP) on Camp Navajo Military Training Site. During this assignment, he established and maintained the standards of an ECP medic while supporting D.E.M.A, Taskforce MED, and Medical Command during the COVID-19 mission. SPC Truman conducted more than 200 on-the-spot inspections of temperatures and medical histories to verify the health of all personnel who crossed the assigned ECP, including military, D.E.M.A, and civilian personnel, ensuring the safety and well being of all personnel on Camp Navajo Military Training site. In addition, SPC Truman conducted impromptu courses for personnel not familiar with established policies to reenforce the medical standards set by Taskforce MED.
Joint Task Force Heartland Response
CPT Reynolds served as the S1 OIC on the Joint Task Force Heartland Response. He provided support and advice for accountability to the Commander in matters relating to Human Resource. Due to his "take charge" attitude, he became the subject matter expert on all S1 actions which resulted in his peers and other S1 counterparts consulting him for direct guidance. He constantly led by example and made sound and knowledgeable decisions for the day to day operation of the S1 Section of the Joint Task Force.
First Sergeant Holcomb served as the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Commander, Joint Task Force Heartland Response. 1SG Holcomb provided mentorship and leadership to over 300 service members on testing teams, food bank teams, distribution teams, and the alternate housing team. Under his leadership, he provided guidance and direction to both enlisted members and junior Officers. 1SG Holcomb applied extensive knowledge and substantial experience to aggressively pursue and resolve countless service member issues and led all efforts to reorganize and focus the teams for greater efficiency.
Captain Villanueva served as the lead Behavioral Health Officer on the Joint Task Force Heartland Response. He provided direct advice to the Commander on morale and well-being of all teams on the Joint Task Force. He traveled over 1,300 miles to over 30 cities and provided one on one communication with over 300 service members. He provided 28 crisis intervention assessments and referrals. His experience and expertise enhanced mission readiness and was instrumental to mission success.
Captain Ocampo served as the Operations OIC while assigned to Joint Task Force Heartland Response. Captain Ocampo advised the JTF Command Team on current operations and force capabilities while overseeing the creation and development of Standard Operating Procedures for the JTF to coordinate and integrate future statewide missions. She communicated with all non-governmental agencies to ensure mission success to include DHHS, Volunteer Coordinator, and Food Bank manager. Her leadership and management experience was pivotal to the timely response and success of the Joint Task Force.
Major Dartmouth served as the lead logistical Officer for Joint Task Force Heartland Response. She was responsible for identifying requirements and shortfalls and for all logistical coordination, resupply plans, and equipment for 12 mobile testing teams, five alternate housing sites, one aviation unit, one PPE distribution warehouse, and two food bank distribution teams. Her support for over 300 PPE distribution missions, including over 2,000 supply requests, provided vital support to 19 Health districts and 18 military teams.
Mobile Testing Squad (MTS)
SSG Cervantes served as the NCOIC of a 19 member Joint service Mobile Testing Squad (MTS) during her activation in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As the G1 NCOIC, RHQ-G, Joint Task Force 36, SSG Cervantes was directly responsible for the successful testing of over 40 testing sites and over 7,000 patients. She executed implied tasks as faithfully as specified tasks and coordinated with multiple Texas Department of Emergency Management civilians for the set up and breakdown of the MTS sites, which included drive through, walk-up, and nursing home sites. She was overall responsible for the inventory of hundreds of COVID-19 testing supplies that were organized for easy transport to and from each testing site, ensuring logistics supported operations. The testing mission regularly involved 12 hour days in the South Texas summer heat, long travel times, and numerous hotel changes. Many members of her MTS dealt with extenuating personal circumstances due to the unplanned, rapid deployment notice and numerous order extensions.
For meritorious service during the 2020 COVID-19 response support as a Noncommissioned Officer in Charge of a Mobile Testing Site. SSG Cervantes' dedication, compassion, professionalism, and knowledge significantly contributed to the overall success of the team's medical support mission. SSG Cervantes' success reflects great credit upon herself, the 136th Airlift Wing, the Texas Air National Guard and the United States Air Force.
Staff Sergeant Tyrone L. Kasey distinguished himself by meritorious service as a Base Defense Operations Controller, 502d Security Force Squadron, 502d Security Forces Group, Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, Texas. During this period, Sergeant Kasey was a key factor in safeguarding the largest Joint Base in the Department of Defense with $3.8 Billion in Protection Level 4 assets by initiating sector sweeps on all quarantined areas base wide, resulting in no threatening exposures. In addition, Sergeant Kasey coordinated with the CDC to implement relevant safety measures and provided updated protocols and procedures to all patrols and gates, which resulted in the rapid and seamless transfer of suspected Covid-19 patients and mitigated risk to 20,000 on base personnel. The distinctive accomplishments of Sergeant Kasey reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.
In support of Joint Task Force Coronavirus Response, he was assigned as a West Virginia Coronavirus Hotline Lead Team Member. Staff Sergeant Lancaster demonstrated outstanding professionalism by handling over 30% of the 17,300 COVID-19 Hotline calls received during his tenure. His meticulous explanations provided COVID-19 information on safety and testing to more than 7,000 West Virginia residents. While maintaining a professional and positive attitude when speaking to a variety of West Virginia professionals and residents, his acts were a vital component of the distribution of information to the general public during the COVID-19 pandemic response. Staff Sergeant Lancaster became the Hotline team lead during this time after receiving additional training and assisted with the collection of information related to "persons under investigation" (PUI). This included medical screenings, evaluations, and extensive documentation for tracking possible COVID-19 exposures for 808,500 West Virginia residents.
o assigned as First Squad NCOIC and was responsible for the accountability of 15 personnel, tracking a total of 36 annual leave days, 105 IDT training days, 16 days of required military schooling and 381 pass days
o worked 12-hour shifts for ten days during the initial POD set-up prior to receiving pass days; trained 23 SM's on multiple positions within the operations section to increase flexibility and efficiency when the mission required adjustments
o served as Battle NCOIC; maintained accountability of assigned equipment, movement of six SM's who redeployed to other locations across NYS, and daily reports of patients vaccinated and the amount of vaccine on site
