JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
Col. Linda Rohatsch, director of the Air National Guard Medical Service, visited the 192nd Medical Group July 8, 2023, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. This marked Rohatsch and her team's first visit to the base since assuming the role at the end of 2022.
During her visit, the 192nd Command Team spoke with the National Guard Bureau and Surgeon General leaders, sharing their vision for shaping and supporting medical enterprises, and conducted a Q&A session with all the 192nd medics.
“[The] 192nd medics were empowered to interact in-person with NGB/SG leaders, whom they read about in periodic announcements and emails from NGB, but now had the one-on-one opportunity to ask questions and receive answers directly,” said Col. Frank Y. Yang, 192nd MDG commander. “At the same time, NGB and SG leaders gained first-hand experience walking alongside and talking with 192nd medics.”
Among the visitors were Col. June Cook, NGB, chief of Aerospace Medicine; Chief Master Sgt. Janet Probst, NGB, chief of the Medical Enlisted Force; and Senior Master Sgt. Stephanie Lewis, NGB, public health program manager.
One of the primary purposes of the visit was to foster direct communication between the 192nd MDG and the NGB/SG directorate, as well as provide the opportunity to discuss medical enterprises currently impacting the medical readiness of the 192nd Wing members.
There were some significant announcements made such as the relocation of mental health military career fields to units currently tasked with Expeditionary Medical Systems and Critical Care Air Transport Teams to support theater requirements outside the contiguous United States. Additionally, it was announced that NGB/SG is being backed by Congress to increase civilian psychological support to units losing military mental health career fields.
This visit provided the opportunity for the 192nd medics to ask questions directly to the NGB/SG leaders, some of which regarded streamlining and enabling training requirements. This was an empowering opportunity for the 192nd MDG to interact in-person with NGB/SG leaders, and vice versa.
“[The] 192nd Wing support of medical was highlighted during our briefings and discussions and was self-evident throughout this visit,” said Yang. “NGB/SG leaders repeatedly stated they felt ‘the love and support’ 192nd medics received from wing leaders and pointed out the many ways they observed how the 192nd Wing supports medical during and in between drills.”
Visits like this offer a platform for communication, collaboration, and a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the medical field and within the ANG. They also highlight the continuous efforts being made to improve medical readiness and support for the Airmen.