Aeromedical angels

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Christopher Carranza
  • 60th Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Up in the sky at 36,000 feet there are angels, true miracle workers who care for, aid and comfort injured service members from one location to another. They wear green flight suits and diligently work throughout the Dec. 19, 2013 flight, in the cargo bay of a C-17 Globemaster III en route to Joint Base Andrews, Md.

"I feel like I'm doing my part in the military, and for the men and women that require help, which is really rewarding for me," said Senior Airman Nicholas Andermahr, an aeromedical evacuation technician with the 349th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron.
Andermahr, who has served two years, was on his 12th mission of his current deployment, and has provided care for approximately 60 personnel throughout his career.

"I provide physical care in-flight between locations, as well as ensuring proper functionality of equipment and resources," Andermahr said. "I have a lot of respect for military members and this role allows me to work in an environment I enjoy, while helping them."

Alongside the AES team are members of the Critical Care Transport team, who work hand-in-hand with one another.

"Every time you see a positive patient outcome, it motivates me to keep helping out, especially the veterans," said Staff Sgt. Gabriel Hannen, 349th Aeromedical Staging Squadron cardiopulmonary technician. "It's a great way to thank them for their service by caring for them."

Hannen said he has served nine years and recently transitioned from active duty to the Reserve. He was on his 47th mission.

"I provide airway breathing support, manage mechanical ventilators, respond to cardiac and respiratory arrest calls," Hannen said. "It feels very rewarding every time I take care of a veteran or their dependents."

Working throughout the holidays was hard enough, but being away from loved ones during that time made it a bit rougher, which makes these missions that much more special.

"Being away from loved ones, I do my best to stay in contact with them and keep busy," said Hannen.