Page 12 - Luke AFB Thunderbolt, March 2020

12 March 2020 news http://www.luke.af.mil Thunderbolt Facebook.com/LukeThunderbolt 13
Thunderbolt
March 2020
http://www.luke.af.mil
www.aerotechnews.com/lukeafb
944th FW medics boast legacy of pride

by camps of North Vietnam. As noted by Col.
JESSICA JOHNSON Edward Nugent, 10th AES commander, the
68th medical crew’s professionalism “war-
944th Fighter Wing History Office
rants [my] highest praise.”
The 944th Fighter Wing has long been Unfortunately, with the deactivation of
proud of its standard of excellence. No the 944th at Norton Air Force Base, Califor-
matter what they’ve come up against, the nia, so too came an end to the great deeds of
determination and dedication of the men the 68th AES. But the medical prowess of
and women of the 944th have always led the 944th would come to fruition once again
the way to victory. This mentality is quite in 1987, when the group was reactivated at
clear when looking at the medical person- Luke Air Force Base in the 944th Tactical
nel of the wing. When the 944th was first Fighter Group, as the 944th Tactical Clinic,
established as a troop carrier group in 1963, later redesignated the 944th Tactical Hos-
they were without a medical squadron. Not pital in 1990. During this time, the 41st
until the 68th Aeromedical Evacuation Medical Services Squadron was activated
Squadron was assigned to the group, did within the hospital.
they finally receive a proper medical unit. The 1990s saw a great period of change
The 68th AES was instrumental in aiding for the medical units within the 944th. The
the group with all the medical care that its 41st MDS eventually became the 944th
personnel required. They had exceptional Aeromedical Staging Squadron and in 1995
Airmen in their ranks, including Capt. Tech. Sgt. Louis Vega Jr. was the first of its kind to complete an Op-
Charlotte Meintjies, who was designated as Reserve Airmen with the 944th Aeromedical Staging Squadron carry a simulated pa- erational Readiness Inspection away from
the Outstanding Flying Unit Reserve Nurse tient to a k-loader for transport during a training event Jan. 7, 2017, at Phoenix Sky home station and receive an overall rating
for 1971. Her exceptional dedication to duty Harbor International Airport. Nurses, flight doctors and pharmacy technicians were of Outstanding.
included a 185-day tour to Southeast Asia among the squadron members who participated in the training. In 1996, the 944th Medical Group was
and several 90-day tours of active duty with deactivated, leaving the 944th Medical
the 68th AES. She was also one of the first 1973, the 944th participated in one of its mission, sending 14 members, including the Squadron and the 944th ASTS aligned
nurses to be qualified as a Military Airlift most celebrated missions - to return 20 for- 68th AES commander, three flight nurses, directly under the 944th FW. However,
Command C-141 flight nurse. mer POWs home from Vietnam. Operation and 10 medical technicians. Their vital this did not stop both squadrons from con-
The caliber of dedication Meintjies dis- Homecoming was a privilege for the mem- participation was crucial to the successful tinuing their legacy. Both the medical and
played has carried on through the decades bers of the 944th to participate in. The 68th return of the 20 service members recently aeromedical staging squadrons continued
in the medical personnel of the 944th. In AES was a prominent participant in this released from the hellish conditions of POW to excel in their duties.

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