435th MDOS continues to soar

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Ruth Holcomb
  • 435th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIRBASE, Germany --  Commitment to "Excellence" rings true in every member of the 435th Medical Operations Squadron.
The 435th MDOS proudly serves the Air Force's largest ambulatory clinic, taking care of the military families assigned to Ramstein and 23 garrison support units in three countries.
In 2007, four of the 435th MDOS teams: Physical Therapy, Mental Health, Sembach Family Medicine and Pharmacy teams won numerous awards.
"The MDOS teams really give meaning to the word 'teamwork' they were able to pull together their individual strengths to give the best quality of work possible," said Col. Jefferson Harman, 435th MDOS commander.
The 435th MDOS Physical Therapy team garnered numerous awards culminated by the Gary P. Wasem Physical Medical Team of the Year. In 2007, they were able to open a new clinic in the South Side Gym Annex building on Ramstein gaining 150 percent more space to expand services and functional rehabilitation.
"It was nice to be recognized for all of my hard work," said Senior Airman Devnee Stinnett, 435th MDOS physical therapy technician. Airman Devnee was named craftsman of the year in 2007.
In 2007, the 435th MDOS Mental Health team hosted the Department of Defense Mental Health Task Force to evaluate services in the DoD/VA system. Findings were reported to Congress and many improvements were made DOD wide.
Later in the year the mental health team went on to earn many prestigious recognitions including the Air Force Mental Health Nurse of the Year, Air Force IMA of the Year, Secretary of Defense Community Drug Awareness Award and U.S. Air Forces in Europe Behavioral Health Category II Team of the Year.
The Sembach Family Medicine, a little known part of the 435th MDOS, was also recognized for their excellent care of 1,300 beneficiaries, 60 Navy and 150 Delta Flight personnel. They were named the 2007 USAFE's Clinic Optimization Team of the Year.
Last but not least, the 435th MDOS's Pharmacy team was selected as USAFE Pharmacy of the Year for an unprecedented fourth consecutive year. The team consists of two pharmacists and eleven technicians.
The pharmacy dispenses 115,000 prescriptions a year to 53,000 beneficiaries in the Kaiserslautern Military Community. In 2007, the pharmacy captured 17 awards ranging from squadron to DoD level.
The accomplishments made by the 435th MDOS stand as examples of how great attitudes and teamwork can go towards a long way in supporting the secretary of the Air Force's priority of Airmen and their families.