ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE, Md. -- A true "Hero's Welcome Home" awaits recently injured Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom patients returning home to the United States through the 79th Aeromedical Staging Facility here following a multimillion dollar facelift.
The busiest gateway in the United States for patients awaiting transportation back to their home stations benefited from a $4.9 million renovation project and opens its doors with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. Oct. 9.
"The aeromedical staging facility is the welcome home point for our 'Wounded Warriors' as they return to the United States, said Maj. Gen. Gar Graham, 79th Medical Wing commander. "This remodeling and upgrading gives the staff and community the means to give these Warriors the reception they deserve. It is a fantastic improvement on what already has been a most impressive operation."
Among the benefits of the renovation is an ability to accommodate more patients, according to Col. Robert Miller, 79th Medical Group commander. He said the new facility is designed to comfortably accommodate an increased capacity of 45 patients for 24 to 72 hours before they are airlifted to further destinations throughout the United States. It is expandable to 107 patients if a surge occurs.
"When our Wounded Warriors come through the doors, they will be greeted with the hero's welcome they deserve," Colonel Miller said. "We feel this facility will be like a five-star hotel for them to rest and recuperate in before they continue on with their journey home."
One thing that isn't new is excellent health care for the patients.
The ASF team providing top-quality medical care includes both permanent party and deployed personnel drawn from active duty, Reserve and National Guard components, according to Col. Terry Haske, 79th Aerospace Medical Squadron commander. A flight surgeon, 14 nurses, 47 nurse technicians, and 14 administrative and support personnel care for about 100 wounded, ill and injured patients arriving each week. Their mission is to continue medical care ensuring patients are stable and safe for airlift.
Colonel Haske emphasized the team approach. "At both the global and local levels we work closely with other Air Force assets, our sister services and civilian organizations to meet the individual needs of every patient. In addition to the medical care, the food is great, a chaplain is always available, and our wonderful Red Cross volunteers put a smile on everyone's face ... all of which contribute to healing."
Over the past 50 years, more than 100,000 patients have been safely transported on missions arriving and departing from the Andrews ASF.
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