Revitalizing Health: 168th Wing Medical Group’s Care in the Mariana Islands
SAIPAN, Northern Mariana Islands –
Imagine a team of dedicated medical professionals flying thousands of miles to bring health and hope to remote communities. From June 10 to June 28, 2024, that dream became a reality as a remarkable crew from the 168th Wing set foot in the picturesque Northern Mariana Islands. This inspiring mission, dubbed Operation Wellness 2024, wasn’t just about providing medical, dental, optometry, and veterinary care – it was about forging connections, uplifting lives, and giving back to the beautiful communities of Saipan, Rota, and Tinian.
Leading the charge was Lt. Col. Russell Pierce, a physician who had the unique opportunity to establish a medical clinic on Tinian. This clinic was packed with essential services, from dental care to eye exams.
“I collaborated with our Army counterparts to set up a clinic that truly served the Tinian people,” shared Pierce. “We focused on crucial health issues such as hypertension and diabetes, while also partnering with the local clinic for ongoing care.”
Beyond his role as a Guardsman, Pierce is a nutrition specialist, passionately educating locals on healthy living.
“They hadn’t had an ophthalmologist on the island in ages, so we crafted 80 pairs of glasses,” he explained. “With only a monthly dental visit, we provided much-needed dental care. And addressing the stray dog situation, our veterinarians spayed and neutered cats and dogs, aiming to reduce their numbers over the next few years.”
Operation Wellness 2024 was a win-win situation, not only addressing pressing healthcare needs but also enhancing the professional skills of the service members involved. The hands-on training strengthened their readiness to tackle diverse challenges, while making healthcare accessible to residents of Saipan, Rota, and Tinian, fostering goodwill, and solidifying the bond between our military and local communities.
“I cherished meeting new faces and contributing to the medical mission in my field as a medical admin,” said Staff Sgt. Yao Cai, who brought her fluency in Mandarin to the table, enhancing communication and ensuring effective medical care.
Through the execution of Operation Wellness 2024, the 168th Medical Group not only provided much-needed humanitarian efforts but also honed their readiness skills.
“As medics, we conducted patient intakes, vital checks, and health histories before they met with the doctors,” explained Airman 1st Class Hannah Wolverton. “While the doctors may have treated 50-60 patients, we made sure every individual received care. High blood pressure was a significant concern, and we provided education on diet and lifestyle changes.”
Wolverton also shared delightful experiences with the locals during their downtime. “When we left work, it was heartwarming to interact with everyone. One day at the beach, a local shared fresh mangoes with us. They were the most delicious mangoes I’ve ever tasted!”
The hope is that the impact of this mission will resonate far beyond their time in the islands, leaving enduring effects on the communities served.
“The highlight for me was delivering medical care and connecting with the people,” said Airman 1st Class Sierra Long, an Aerospace Medical Technician. “You could see the excitement in their faces when they walked in for care. Many came not just for treatment but to share their life stories and experiences with us.”
In total, the team provided care to 5,627 patients and performed an astounding 43,895 procedures.
“On average, we saw about 70 patients a day for dental services such as cleanings, extractions, and fillings,” noted Tech Sgt. Charity Sisco. “It was incredible to transform a local high school into a functioning clinic.”
Sisco shared that patients lined up from the moment they opened, often fully booking a demanding 10-12 hour schedule each day.
“The community was overwhelmingly grateful,” Sisco recounted. “They even organized a special dinner for us, which was a beautiful gesture.”
Approximately 300 service members participated in Operation Wellness 2024, showcasing a unified effort to deliver no-cost medical services to underserved populations while enhancing mission readiness through hands-on training.
“Being part of this mission as a PERSCO team was an unforgettable experience,” expressed Staff Sgt. Amberylynn Crisostomo. “It was rewarding to collaborate with our medical team and connect with fellow service members across the Department of Defense, witnessing the success of our collective efforts.”
