SSG Whitney performed exceptionally as a critical care flight paramedic, personally performing over 600 hours of MEDEVAC coverage, 25 air mission requests, and flying 226 incident free hours in the HH-60M helicopter. His tireless efforts resulted in the training of over 700 Paratroopers throughout the 82ND Airborne Division in MEDEVAC procedures, aircraft safety, and patient treatment in an HH-60M helicopter. SSG Whitney also directly increased readiness throughout the 82ND CAB by instructing CLS and TCCC for over 350 Troopers.
As the MEDEVAC Detachment 1SG, SSG Whitney ensured the Detachment seamlessly prepared and deployed nine HH-60M helicopters and 38 personnel ISO the IRF deployment to the CENTCOM AOR with minimal guidance and successfully synchronized MEDEVAC operations for all of Kuwait. He performed with herculean effort during the deployment, performing flight duties and meticulously managing the complex duty cycle for MEDEVAC operations while placing great emphasis on mentoring and empowering junior NCOs.
SSG Whitney's medical expertise and professionalism resulted his development and implemention a "walking blood bank/ buddy transfusion" protocol while forward deployed to the Horn of Africa, increasing survivability amongst the ground force element by streamlining the identification and administration of blood products in the event of a MASCAL or crash event. As the Senior Medic for the 82nd Pathfinder Company, he drafted and published the the first ever medical chapter of the 82nd Pathfinder Company SOP to be utilized.
SSG Whitney consistently exudes compassion and leadership ability far beyond his current grade, taking an active role in caring for his Troopers' physical, mental, and financial well-being. He routinely took the time to leverage his experience to assist his Soldiers and develop plans to recover from personal issues such as marital distress, financial hardship, and losses of loved ones. SSG Whitney displays genuine care for those in his charge and serves as an example of an exceptional non-commissioned officer for his peers and Troopers.
FOR EXCEPTIONALLY MERITORIOUS SERVICE WHILE SERVING AS A FLIGHT PARAMEDIC. STAFF SERGEANT WHITNEY'S REMARKABLE PERFORMANCE AND DEVOTION TO DUTY GREATLY CONTRIBUTED TO THE UNIT'S MISSION SUCCESS. HIS ACTIONS ARE IN KEEPING WITH THE FINEST TRADITIONS OF MILITARY SERVICE AND REFLECT GREAT CREDIT UPON HIM, THE 82ND COMBAT AVIATION BRIGADE, THE 82ND AIRBORNE DIVISION, AND THE UNITED STATES ARMY.
