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Collecting for Kadena's medical expenses

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kasey Zickmund
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
Kadena Air Base --  When it comes to collecting the medical expenses from patients not on the military's Tricare plan, no one knows the system better than Staff Sgt. Kristen Treml, 18th Medical Group, Medical Service Accounts Officer.

Sergeant Treml collects payments for medical care from those not eligible to participate in the Tricare program--such as Department of Defense teachers, other civilians, contractors and their families.

She recently led her staff in processing 1,700 medical bills in a three-week period. In the second quarter of the fiscal year alone, the team was able to recoup $83,000 which can now be used to purchase critical medical supplies and deployment immunizations.

"The reimbursement funds my staff and I collect are critical gap-fill funds that are used to sustain the provision of the high-level of quality care that has become synonymous with the 18th MDG," said Sergeant Treml. "We take pride in the job we do and the impact it has on the Kadena population."

Sergeant Treml attributes her hard-working attitude to her father.

"My father has always been my hero because he always worked hard, and he motivates me to do the same," said Sergeant Treml. "There is nothing that [specifically] stands out as to why he is my hero, but he is good role model and he works as an editor for two small newspapers."

Sergeant Treml is a Livermore, Maine, native who joined the Air Force seven years ago to travel and get an education. Besides having the opportunity to now live in Japan, she has also visited Hawaii and South Korea. She hopes to someday to visit Europe.

While in Okinawa, she has been learning the Japanese language and enjoys spending time at the beaches with her husband Staff Sgt. Marty Treml from the 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron. Sergeant Treml also attends the University of Maryland working on getting a bachelor's degree in business administration.

Editor's note: Staff Sgt. Treml was selected for the Warrior of Week from 18th Medical Group.