Helping Airmen Stick to Medical Readiness

Senior Airman Anissa Testaverde, a 147th Medical Group, medical technician, accomplishes a blood draw for Senior Airman Felipe Sanchez, a Response Force Leader with the 147th Security Forces Squadron on April 2, 2016 at Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base. Sanchez is getting his blood drawn at the medical group as part of individual readiness requirements.

Published April 3, 2016
By Tech Sgt. Shawn McCowan
147th Reconnaisance Wing Public Affairs

April 2, 2016 -- Every facet of an Air National Guard wing is centered on preparedness for deployment. It can be easy to forget the value of each Airman's individual role. One particular mission seems to consistently stick within the mind of Airmen throughout the year - Immunizations and Lab work.

The 147th Medical Group takes advantage of all wing members' ongoing need to get blood work accomplished to practice their profession. Even a newcomer with the wing clinic has numerous chances to contribute to the Wing's readiness.

Senior Airman Anissa Testaverde, a 147 MG medical technician, is one of the team members responsible for administering blood draws. She was quick to point out that their training is vital for both the medical technician and the visiting Airman. During a recent Unit Training Assembly (UTA), she spent part of her weekend drawing blood for necessary tests like a screening for the biennial Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

"Although it's a standard test in the military, it is an incredibly important part of individual medical readiness, as well as a vital test for the well-being of our Airmen," said Testaverde.

As many as 50 Airmen may visit the lab on a UTA weekend, and both technician and patient get one step closer to mission readiness with each appointment.