News

Kandahar rocket attack makes medical Airmen bleed valor

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Lori Fiorello
  • 446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Rocket attacks in Afghanistan are as common as rain in the Pacific Northwest. However, this time when a rocket hit recently, Maj. Kelli Bowen, Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility administrator, would have welcomed the rain here.

Bowen and her roommate exchange text messages after every rocket attack to ensure the safety and accountability of the Airmen who support the CASF mission. This act comes as second nature to the Oregon native whose typical day involves tracking missions, and maintaining accountability of the patients that come in and out of the "temporary hospital."

"I had a gut feeling that something was wrong," said Bowen, longtime Reservist with the 446th Aeromedical Staging Squadron, McChord Field, Wash. and mother of three, "There was an odd delay," as she waited on a text message response after a recent rocket hit.

A CASF is a 24-hour staging operation that expedites injury treatment, coordinates the movement of patients within the aeromedical evacuation system to more definitive care and prepares them for flight.

After Bowen got word of one attack on the CASF, she immediately took off to assess the situation. A rocket had hit their generator and started a fire, while shrapnel and other debris had significantly damaged the tent and injured an Airman.

"I was totally impressed that a doctor and nurse were the ones putting out the fire." said Bowen. "Their actions ultimately mitigated patient injuries and facility damage. Everyone's courageous efforts, allowed us to quickly move patients and operations to an alternative facility."

Because Bowen worked the day shift and tracked missions earlier, she knew there was a flight leaving later and realized the patients could quickly be evacuated.

In less than 45 minutes the team transported the injured Airman to safety, completely relocated operations to another facility and established a new command and control.

Bowen recalls, "The most exciting part was how the mission continued under destruction. Despite the damage and chaos, the courage and valor these individuals demonstrated was based on the outstanding training the Air Force has invested in its (Airmen).

"It could have been so much worse," said Bowen, a contract specialist in her civilian life with Bonneville Power Administration in Portland, Ore. "The tents could have gone up in flames within three minutes and the injuries sustained could have been much worse.

"The medical care response from our nurses and technicians was flawless," added Bowen.

Recovery became a joint effort as Army and Navy troops assisted Airmen in repairing the tents and cleaning up the area. Bowen attributes the calm after the storm response to an Army sergeant major whose contagious calming sense and concern for everyone was instrumental in keeping the team focused.

"It was incredible to witness leadership from all levels from youngest to oldest," said Bowen, "I am very proud to be serving with outstanding Airmen!"