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CSAF recognizes AES warriors

  • Published
  • By Capt. Jennifer Lovett
  • 435th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (AMCNS) --  Two critical care teams, commonly referred to as flying intensive care units, from the 791st Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron and two aeromedical evacuation teams from the 86th AES escorted approximately 12 battlefield-wounded patients, six of whom were in critical condition, from Landstuhl to the states in November.

“Sadly there are more and more of these type of missions but with modern medicine and technology, we are able to provide them the very best medical care, and remarkably it’s in an airplane,” said Senior Airman J.T.C. Chevront, 791st AES.

But on this particular routine channel mission,, one of the critical patients happened to have his father on board.

“It is not uncommon to have family members on board the channel missions that escort patients from ( Landstuhl Regional Medical Center ) to Andrews,” said Lt. Col. Stephen Hill, 86th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron director of operations. “A lot of times the government will pay for family members to come over so that they can fly back with their sons or daughters or spouses. It’s comforting.”

But it is uncommon when the father is a three-star Army general who happens to know the Air Force chief of staff.

Army Lt. Gen. Robert Van Antwerp’s son was one of six critical patients in a cargo plane fully loaded with wounded being taken to states for follow-up care at Bethesda Medical Center or to Walter Reed Army Hospital , according to U.S. Air Forces in Europe Public Affairs. The general wrote a note to the Air Force chief of staff, Gen. Michael Moseley, to let him know how much he appreciated the overall effort and professionalism of the aeromedical evacuation doctors, nurses and technicians and listed them by name.

During a visit to Ramstein Monday, General Moseley presented all 19 of the personnel a coin to show his appreciation.

“You are the most professional, competent people I’ve ever seen,” said General Moseley. “The Air Force and Army have a solid relationship and it’s more solid now. You represent so much more that the few of you up here. You are representative of what we do in the Air Force during a time of war. So as a chief and as a dad let me thank you. You are the backstop of taking care of people, and you are absolutely awesome! (Courtesy USAFENS)