446th ASTS Reservists recently return from deployment Published Aug. 25, 2009 By Senior Airman Patrick Cabellon 446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Being deployed can be rough on anyone no matter if they are Reserve, Guard or active duty. One thing is certain for those who are deployed-they are usually happy to come home. Such is the case with about 54 recently returned citizen Airmen from the 446th Aeromedical Staging Squadron here. The Reservists from the 446th ASTS were deployed January through August to Ramstein Air Base, Germany and Balad AB, Iraq and Bagram AB, Afghanistan. Master Sgt. Michael Neagle, medical technician, 446th ASTS and Capt. Regan Ramos, flight commander and clinical nurse, 446th ASTS were two such Reservists. Sergeant Neagle and Captain Ramos were deployed for six months and three months, respectively, to Ramstein AB. Both Reservists said they had the usual anxiety any Reservist may experience when deploying for an extended period of time from; leaving their loved ones and leaving their civilian jobs. "I had the normal anxiety you usually get," said the captain. "I always get anxious when I have to leave my wife. As for my civilian job, I have to find someone who has to cover for me." While deployed to Ramstein AB, Sergeant Neagle worked night shift as a medical technician at the contingency aeromedical staging facility on base. The staging facility provides extended care and is used to prepare patients for transportation. Wounded Airmen, Marines, Soldiers and Sailors coming from Iraq and Afghanistan who required hospitalization were flown in via Ramstein AB and brought to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany. The Army operates the hospital. The hospital serves as the nearest treatment center for wounded troops. Additionally, it serves military personnel stationed in Germany as well as their family members. If some of the patients coming in did not need to be hospitalized for anything too serious, they were brought straight to the CASF, said Sergeant Neagle. While working in the CASF, Sergeant Neagle put his skills as a medical technician to good use; helping patients out who were injured while supporting operations in Southwest Asia. He would assist with changing dressings and keeping patients relaxed. "Some of the guys had terrible injuries," said Sergeant Neagle. "I saw young (troops) coming in who were just as old as my own kids, which made it hard to see them in the condition they were in," he continued. "It was not pleasant and it was always busy. The people working in the CASF are there to help the patients stay comfortable. We gave the patients continuous care until the flight doctor gave them the green light to leave." As a swing shift RN, Captain Ramos assessed patients to make sure they were fit to fly. "I was to make sure (the patients) were mentally healthy. If they were not, we could get a chaplain for them to talk to if the patient wanted one. I was also charged with making sure the patients had all of the necessary treatment before they were placed onto a plane, and also that all of the administrative paperwork was done," said the captain. "It was a full person assessment." Patients are typically transported to Andrews Air Force Base, Md. From there, depending on a patient's branch of service, they were transported to their home base, post or station, said Sergeant Neagle. On the flipside, there was one thing that kept Sergeant Neagle and Captain Ramos from feeling down and depressed due to seeing all the injured troops being brought into the CASF - their own families. "The distance from the people I love, most especially my wife, was hard. I would always be relieved knowing that I would be returning home to my wife," said Captain Ramos. "Knowing I would get to see my three kids and four grandchildren kept me going throughout the deployment," said Sergeant Neagle. "It's always a motivator." On some days he had off, Sergeant Neagle was able to get off base and see a slice of Germany and the surrounding area. "I was able to get out and see some really nice towns," said Sergeant Neagle. "You end up creating camaraderie with the people you work with and go hang out in groups. I had a chance to go to France, Luxemburg and Norway. I really enjoyed it. It gives you a chance to keep your mind off of things; if only for a moment." Captain Ramos said it was most satisfactory to work with his team and with the patients he saw. Both the Captain Ramos and Sergeant Neagle said they were pleased to be reunited with their families after their deployment.