18th MDG wins two Air Force level awards

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Keith James
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  The 18th Medical Group was recently recognized by the Air Force with two Air Force Level awards.

For their exceptional ability to provide and sustain medical logistics and stellar bioenvironmental skills, the 18th MDG claimed the Outstanding Medical Logistics Account Award and the Outstanding Base Bioenvironmental Engineering NCO of the Year Award.

"I am proud to serve with such an outstanding group of medics who continually support the war fighting missions of the 18th Wing and Team Kadena,"said Col. Frank Allara, 18th Medical Group commander.

The Outstanding Medical Logistic Account Award recognized the Medical Logistics Flight's ability to provide and sustain pharmaceutical, medical and surgical supplies, medical devices and equipment and other products that support doctors, nurses, and other health and dental care providers. Furthermore they were recognized for their support of Pacific Command with humanitarian assistance and contingency operations.

A few of their accomplishments included processing $32.5 million in sales, expediting medical supplies to more than 70 joint customers and directly supporting seven U.S. Pacific Command exercises and operations as well as numerous special operations groups in the Pacific theater.

"We have an excellent team of talented Airmen that continuously do whatever it takes to complete the mission," said Senior Master Sgt. Scott Bunker, 18th Medical Support Squadron superintendent of medical logistics.

The Outstanding Base Bioenvironmental Engineering NCO of the Year Award recognizes an individual who exhibits exceptional bioenvironmental skills and showcases the hard work that involves the bioenvironmental engineering career field.

Tech. Sgt. David Hall's, 18th Aerospace Medicine Squadron NCOIC of Occupational Health Element, accomplishments this year consisted of directing PACAFs second largest occupational health programs which includes 159 shops and industrial offices.

Going out and assessing all of the hazards and come up with ways to mitigate with the use of personnel protective equipment, engineering controls like ventilation systems, reviewing of shops records from the technicians who go out and conduct site surveys and ensuring they are meeting compliance standards.

"It's definitely my team," said Hall when talking about his squadron. "Everyone around me, my subordinates, supervisor, and leadership contributed greatly to me achieving this award," said Hall.

Hall also led a specialized radiation decontamination team helping to better posture the Air Force for potential attacks.

"(Here at the 18th AMDS) we make sure that we are assessing the hazard appropriately and are properly maintaining control of the hazard, so that the personnel that are working and doing their job aren't being exposed to these hazards, which helps prevent them from getting sick or injured," said Hall.

The 18th Medical Group also was recognized for claiming 14 Pacific Air Forces level awards, along with the two Air Force level awards. Continuing on from last year's four PACAF awards the 18th MDG stays proficient and continues to show why they are truly the best.

"It is extraordinarily rewarding that the 18th Medical Group was recognized with 14 PACAF level awards. Additionally, our medical logistics team and Tech Sgt. Hall's individual recognition with Air Force level further demonstrate the exceptional talent we have here at Kadena," said Allara.