AETC tabs 82 MDG for six AF Medical Service awards Published Dec. 3, 2012 By Dan Hawkins 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Six Airmen from the 82nd Medical Group were included in the Air Education and Training Command selections for the 2012 Air Force Medical Service awards announced Nov. 28. Here's a quick overview of the winners from Team Sheppard: USAF Biomedical Clinician Category III Officer of the Year - Maj Michael McCarthy, 82 Medical Operations Squadron As a Department of Defense (DoD) suicide prevention expert, Maj. McCarthy led VCSAF mandated suicide prevention training targeting 90,000 high-risk Airmen, leading to a 51 percent reduction rate across the group. Additionally, he authored an Air Force Instruction signed by the VCSAF, providing new guidance for 640,000 personnel service wide. Maj. McCarthy's impact was also felt throughout the military services as he led the stand up of DoD's Suicide Prevention directorate. Outstanding Enlisted Health Services Management Airman of the Year - Staff Sgt. Shierae Bryan, 82nd Aerospace Medicine Squadron Sergeant Bryan directed medical administrative support services for over 600 NATO and 939 Air Force flyers and family members, directly supporting the 80th Flying Training Wing's $250 million Euro NATO Joint-Jet Pilot Training Program. As a crash center dispatcher, her efforts increased response time and accuracy by 45 percent for 659 mishaps. Sergeant Bryan also earned nine hours towards a CCAF degree in Health Service Management with a 3.5 grade point average. USAF Physical Medicine Craftsman Award - Staff Sgt. Roger Esparza, 82nd Medical Operations Squadron As NCO in charge of the Physical Therapy Clinic, Sergeant Esparza oversaw more than 7,400 visits and $925,000 in revenue. His development of an Air Force Speciality Code licensure road map was presented to the Air Force Surgeon General and impacted 340 technicians. Sergeant Bryan also increased the rehab clinic fitness equipment area with $50,000 in new machines and trained seven technicians on the proper use of the equipment. USAF Physical Medicine Apprentice Award - Senior Airman Brandi Stafford, 82nd Medical Operations Squadron Airman Stafford, a physical therapy technician, was named the 82nd MDOS Airman of the Year for 2011. She completed over 3,300 procedures, recouping $412,500 in network costs and was coined for excellence by the AETC/Command Chief. Airman Stafford was praised by-name in 35 patient critiques and earned a 100 percent beneficiary satisfaction rate. As the independent satellite clinic specialist, she cut 127 members travel time and saved 369 Airmen-in-Training hours, increasing access by 10 percent. USAF Pharmacy Technician Airman of the Year - Airman 1st Class Christian Trujillo, 82nd Medical Support Squadron Named the 82nd Training Wing Airman of the 3rd Quarter for 2012, Airman Trujillo picked up additional duties throughout the year when manning levels fell 33 percent. His procurement of 185 medications for over 100 patients with complex diseases through a joint effort with Air Force Material Command saved $350,000. Airman Trujillo's efforts during real-world point of dispensing service for treatment of 158 trainees during a viral outbreak saved the 82nd Medical Group $180,000. He also scored an overall 91 percent on his Career Development Courses. USAF Laboratory Airman of the Year - Senior Airman Brett Rathbun, 82nd Medical Support Squadron Named the 82nd Training Wing Airman of the 1st Quarter for 2012, Airman Rathbun was also the 82nd TRW Honor Guard Airman of the 3rd Quarter. As a medical laboratory technician, he executed 239 accreditation agency tests with a 97 percent accuracy rate, crushing the 80 percent national average rate. Airman Rathbun also collected 4,000 samples and tested 36,000 specimens, completing them all with less than one-tenth percent error rate. He also earned nine hours towards a CCAF degree in Lab Science with a 3.75 grade point average. The winners will move on to compete at the Air Force level against other MAJCOM winners.