Scott Reserve wing gets new medical clinic

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jodi Ames
  • 932nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
The 932nd Aerospace Medicine Squadron commemorated the opening of their newly-renovated clinic at Scott Air Force Base with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Jan. 11.

The ceremony marked completion of construction and the official unveiling of the long-awaited facility on the fourth floor of the 375th Medical Group's hospital.

Col. Vanessa Mattox, commander of the 932nd Medical Group, spoke at the ceremony, where more than 40 civilian and military guests representing both active and reserve components were in attendance. Special guests Barry Klassy, executive vice president of Kroeschell Engineering, and Lacie Ebers from Kirlin Builders also attended the event and participated in the ribbon cutting.

Originally, the AMDS was in the 932nd Medical Group's building, along with two other squadrons. Mattox noted that lack of space was a common obstacle as the number of personnel assigned to squadrons in the medical group continued to grow.

"All of the squadrons were growing by leaps and bounds," said Mattox. "The 932nd AMDS would pack up, go to a clinic near the flight line, take care of the members of the 932nd -- the whole wing -- and then drive back to the building."

Prior to renovation of the 7,800-square-foot area that now houses the 932nd AMDS, the unit was operating out of offices on the lower levels of the 375th MDG's main clinic that were made available by the team's active duty partners.

As the reserve mission became more operational, AMDS members found themselves using many of the same spaces that active duty medical personnel occupy during regular clinic hours.

While being co-located with active duty medical teams presents a number of opportunities to train and strengthen total force partnerships, the opening of the 932nd AMDS clinic also promises to have a significant and long-lasting impact for medical personnel assigned to the squadron, as well as members throughout the 932nd Airlift Wing.

"We are now able to work in a very organized environment. We have nice treatment rooms. There are areas for training, and we have areas where physicians and other providers are able to do their documentation in a quiet setting," Mattox said.

Certainly, the long-term planning required to secure funding and coordinate the construction process demanded time and patience from Airmen at every level. During the ceremony, Mattox made it a point to recognize the dedication and efforts of those who were instrumental in making the renovation and relocation a reality.

"It takes a large group to make sure that things are done and taken care of," Mattox noted. "Sometimes we want things to happen right away, and they don't. This process started in 2012; but we've stayed the course, we've persevered, and here we are in 2016, and this now has come to fruition."

Mattox concluded with a heartfelt message.

"We are very thankful and grateful to the 375th, as well as AFRC and 932nd Airlift Wing leadership, for making sure this day happened. We are looking forward to serving the members of the 932nd in our new space."