Since healthcare seems to be the topic of the day (unless, of course, Michelle Obama's shorts-at-the-Grand-Canyon is of more interest to you), I thought I might blog about my recent experiences with both the medical and dental services provided by the U.S. Air Force.
On Tuesday I had my first dental appointment. I arrived at the dental clinic, signed in, and waited for a mere five minutes before being called back by a young girl not a day over 21. We made our way to X-ray so the military would have dental records to identify my.... okay, we won't go there... The young girl took the panoramic picture and turned me over to an older lady who promptly tortured the inside of my mouth by making me place these gigantic hard plastic pieces vertically into my very tiny jaws. When she could see that I was at the point of tears, and there was no way I could bite down on this plate, she rubbed this gummy numbing stuff all over the inside of mouth. Well, I was finally able to bite down, but I was unable to feel the inside of my mouth for the next 15 minutes. Drooling, I was led to the examining room where the young man (dentist) conducted his oral cancer screening and examined my teeth all the while jamming to Guns-n-Roses "Sweet Child of Mine" in the background. I can say, I've never had a dental exam with Axel Rose serenading me. Then, he (the dentist, not Axel) proceeded to tell me his life story in the AF. I was shocked by how much time I got to listen to this guy- apparently there is something about me that says, "tell me your problems." The whole process took an hour of my day (still paid by the AF), and I was scheduled for a cleaning two weeks from now.
As for medical, I made a primary care appointment so I could begin the process of getting fitted for orthotics due to some foot pain I've been experiencing. I figured, "why not? the government is paying!" I had to drive over to the Army base to get a next-day appointment. When I checked in, there was no paperwork. No insurance card, no medical history form, no sign-over-your-first-born-child. None of that. I wondered, "is this what socialized medicine is like?" There also wasn't plush leather furniture or a flat screen T.V. in the waiting area either. The building was rather old, but clean. Interestingly, the PA I saw was from Flippin, Arkansas! Go figure! She seemed a little ashamed of the fact, but I was just so excited to meet someone from that close to home! She wasn't as chatty about it as I was.
All in all, it was a good experience. The bottom line: it was FREE. I got free dental and medial care, and it looks like there is more to come. For someone who hasn't been to the dentist in three years because it would cost nearly $100, I was really impressed (although I have this slightly uncomfortable cut on the inside of my jaw from that shard of plastic!). I have to say, it is very reassuring to know that my medical and dental needs will be met. I felt some "survivor's guilt" for all those uninsured Americans, my former brethren, who could rest much better at night (and maybe be more productive citizens) if they knew their basic healthcare needs were being met.
Did I mention I didn't have to wait to see this medical professional? In and out in 25 minutes. That's efficiency... for socialized medicine. :)
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Friday, August 14, 2009
In honor of Lance Cpl. Travis Babine
"Marine Lance Cpl. Travis T. Babine, 20, San Antonio, Texas, died Thursday, Aug. 6, 2009, while supporting combat operations in Farah province, Afghanistan; assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, based out of Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay."
It has been a very interesting day....
We started with PT at 7:30am this morning (I love it that the Air Force pays me to run/workout three times a week for a total of 4.5 hours per week!). By 9am we were informed that a marine who recently died in Afghanistan would be returned to San Antonio where his mother, a civilian, works at Kelly Air Force Base. They were requesting that service members who were available go to Kelly AFB at noon to line up in honor of this fallen soldier as his body would be brought back to the states for burial. They informed us on how to salute the motorcade and that the plane bringing the body would be arriving at 12:55pm. Well, this, of course, was my first experience in being a military member honoring a fallen soldier. Come to think of it, this was my first experience period in being present during a procession for a military member. Would it be really bad of me to say I wish I'd had my camera? The snapshots are forever in my mind.
We arrived at 12:15pm and sat in the car for as long as we could since it was 100 degrees outside. We began lining up about 12:25pm, and one of my fellow squadron members (psych nurses, psychiatrists, techs, etc.) said the plane was to land early at 12:36pm. I selfishly thought, "good, because it is hotter than Hades out here!" We walked a good quarter to half mile to make our way, as a group, to the beginning of where the motorcade would pass. I was told the line of service members stretched over a mile long. Mostly it was AF members, but I did see some Navy and several retired Marines. People were passing out flags, and others had brought their own. There were quite a few civilians there. Most of them were probably friends and family of members present with them. The mental health people entertained ourselves by playing the telephone game since we had to wait for over an hour before we saw any "action." You remember the telephone game, right? We all decided we really had very good communication skills. About 1:30pm a woman across the street from me passed out due to the heat (the "action" I was referring to). That was a little freaky! Of course, since I was there with several doctors I didn't feel compelled to display my new life-saving skills (although it was a good moment to sort of run through those in my mind... "airway, breathing, circulation.... now how many breathes per chest thrust?"). Not long after this incident, the motorcade was spotted, which took the spotlight off the poor girl who was lying on the ground across the street. I kept my eye on the guys within my peripheral vision to my left as they would be my guide in when to come to attention, salute, and how long to hold the salute. This whole saluting business stressed me out a bit, interfering somewhat with my ability to really take in the moment. I felt myself sort of standing outside my own body for a minute, realizing that I am now a member of the United States military saluting another member who has given his life in the service of his country. He has a mom.... I saw her. He has other relatives.... maybe brothers, sisters, cousins, perhaps a father in there too. I could see their faces pained with grief over their loss, but also in awe of what they were experiencing. Hundreds, maybe a thousand(?), people showing up to honor their loved one. I could see a sense of pride on their faces as they were beginning to pass by all these people who had lined up, standing in the scorching heat of south Texas, to pay their respects to one of their own. After the family, there were some very official looking cars, and I was quite proud of myself that I noticed the license plate on the front of a General's car, saluting at just the right moment! Then, the really cool part.... the patriot guard riders. This was a gang of motorcycles, maybe 30 or so, that all were carrying flags. They were decked out in their leather and skull caps, riding in honor of this marine and his family. We saluted them too (but I think it was a requirement due to the flags- I, however, like to think I was saluting the fact that they were men/women enough to wear chaps in 100 degrees!). The whole event was over within just a minute or two, but it was something I'll never forget.
So this evening in preparing to write this, I went online to look up this young man's name and learn more about him. I was shocked to see just how many people are dying every single day over in Afghanistan. Why do we not hear about this? Google it sometime... read their stories. Some are military members, some are civilians working there, and some are Afghanies (did I spell that right?) working on behalf of counter-terrorism. Gee... just writing that I'm starting to feel like I'm being converted.... I'll reframe it and just say that maybe my perspective is shifting.
It was an interesting day in the Air Force today. One I will never forget.
Addendum: Because I am technologically-challenged and was not able to figure out how to make a comment on my own blog, I am adding this in response to Bill's comment. By the way, if anyone knows how to help me with this problem (not being able to comment on the blog), please let me know. Thanks!
It has been a very interesting day....
We started with PT at 7:30am this morning (I love it that the Air Force pays me to run/workout three times a week for a total of 4.5 hours per week!). By 9am we were informed that a marine who recently died in Afghanistan would be returned to San Antonio where his mother, a civilian, works at Kelly Air Force Base. They were requesting that service members who were available go to Kelly AFB at noon to line up in honor of this fallen soldier as his body would be brought back to the states for burial. They informed us on how to salute the motorcade and that the plane bringing the body would be arriving at 12:55pm. Well, this, of course, was my first experience in being a military member honoring a fallen soldier. Come to think of it, this was my first experience period in being present during a procession for a military member. Would it be really bad of me to say I wish I'd had my camera? The snapshots are forever in my mind.
We arrived at 12:15pm and sat in the car for as long as we could since it was 100 degrees outside. We began lining up about 12:25pm, and one of my fellow squadron members (psych nurses, psychiatrists, techs, etc.) said the plane was to land early at 12:36pm. I selfishly thought, "good, because it is hotter than Hades out here!" We walked a good quarter to half mile to make our way, as a group, to the beginning of where the motorcade would pass. I was told the line of service members stretched over a mile long. Mostly it was AF members, but I did see some Navy and several retired Marines. People were passing out flags, and others had brought their own. There were quite a few civilians there. Most of them were probably friends and family of members present with them. The mental health people entertained ourselves by playing the telephone game since we had to wait for over an hour before we saw any "action." You remember the telephone game, right? We all decided we really had very good communication skills. About 1:30pm a woman across the street from me passed out due to the heat (the "action" I was referring to). That was a little freaky! Of course, since I was there with several doctors I didn't feel compelled to display my new life-saving skills (although it was a good moment to sort of run through those in my mind... "airway, breathing, circulation.... now how many breathes per chest thrust?"). Not long after this incident, the motorcade was spotted, which took the spotlight off the poor girl who was lying on the ground across the street. I kept my eye on the guys within my peripheral vision to my left as they would be my guide in when to come to attention, salute, and how long to hold the salute. This whole saluting business stressed me out a bit, interfering somewhat with my ability to really take in the moment. I felt myself sort of standing outside my own body for a minute, realizing that I am now a member of the United States military saluting another member who has given his life in the service of his country. He has a mom.... I saw her. He has other relatives.... maybe brothers, sisters, cousins, perhaps a father in there too. I could see their faces pained with grief over their loss, but also in awe of what they were experiencing. Hundreds, maybe a thousand(?), people showing up to honor their loved one. I could see a sense of pride on their faces as they were beginning to pass by all these people who had lined up, standing in the scorching heat of south Texas, to pay their respects to one of their own. After the family, there were some very official looking cars, and I was quite proud of myself that I noticed the license plate on the front of a General's car, saluting at just the right moment! Then, the really cool part.... the patriot guard riders. This was a gang of motorcycles, maybe 30 or so, that all were carrying flags. They were decked out in their leather and skull caps, riding in honor of this marine and his family. We saluted them too (but I think it was a requirement due to the flags- I, however, like to think I was saluting the fact that they were men/women enough to wear chaps in 100 degrees!). The whole event was over within just a minute or two, but it was something I'll never forget.
So this evening in preparing to write this, I went online to look up this young man's name and learn more about him. I was shocked to see just how many people are dying every single day over in Afghanistan. Why do we not hear about this? Google it sometime... read their stories. Some are military members, some are civilians working there, and some are Afghanies (did I spell that right?) working on behalf of counter-terrorism. Gee... just writing that I'm starting to feel like I'm being converted.... I'll reframe it and just say that maybe my perspective is shifting.
It was an interesting day in the Air Force today. One I will never forget.
Addendum: Because I am technologically-challenged and was not able to figure out how to make a comment on my own blog, I am adding this in response to Bill's comment. By the way, if anyone knows how to help me with this problem (not being able to comment on the blog), please let me know. Thanks!
Bill,
Having a 16-year-old son who says he wants to join the military and having recently joined myself, I feel for you, your family, and Travis in a way I would never have been able to before. Obviously, you all have been in my thoughts (hence the blog) and continue to be. I would enjoy knowing more about Travis if you want to share (or direct me to a blog?). I think our world needs a better understanding of who the people are who are losing their lives in this mission.
Peace,
Mandy
Thursday, August 6, 2009
A Hodgepodge of Information
Wow! So much has changed since I last posted!! I am now in San Antonio and have been for the past six days. We started internship on Tuesday, and we got a "day off" today to take care of personal business (i.e. unpack houses, take care of turning on utilities, etc.). I had a head start so today has been a pool day with Emily. She and mom came to SA last Friday and worked on getting the house together for my arrival on Saturday. I feel like there is so much to write about that I don't know where to even start....
The End of COT: After much marching practice we weren't sure whether or not we would get to (have to!) do the parade because there was a 70% chance of storms that morning. Honestly, I was praying hard for rain although I felt a little guilty since so many people had family who had arrived just for this event. Their prayers won out, and we got to march. I was also a winner (sarcasm) because I got to drive from Montgomery to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in hurricane-type weather. The rain was unbelievable, and ensured that I did not do something stupid like try to drive all the way to San Antonio. I stayed the night in Beaumont, Texas, eating dinner at a Taco Bell with some of the cutest little Texan children talking in their adorable accents. I asked one of the boys how far it was to Houston, and he promptly told me, "Maaaa'ammm, it'll take ya a good hooourrrr and a haaaaf." Or something like that.... I'm can't write in Texan, but you get the drift. They have dehumidifiers in the hotel rooms in Beaumont. That town had to be the most humid place on Earth!
Worthington: Starting with Emily, several of you (my loyal readers) have commented on my friendship with Worthington and have begun to play matchmaker in your little minds. I laugh to myself (ha,ha,ha!), and I thought I would fill you in.... Worthington is gay. Ha!!! Just kidding... not in the military (at least we don't ask, right?). Actually, Worthington is married with five kids, and he is Mormon. They don't do that multiple wives thing anymore either! His religion made for some very interesting conversations while on those long runs, and I have a whole new respect for those guys who show up at the front door on Saturday mornings when I'm trying to enjoy my coffee and newspaper. Did you know those guys have to go away from their families for two years after high school, being sequestered for months at a time, to learn how to do all that? Of course, they learn more than just how to ring a doorbell and politely hand out literature. I was really amazed at the depth of their education about the church and the dedication these folks have to their version of God. Worthington indicates (both in word and action) that the Mormon church is non-judgmental about other religions, and we discussed some of those "hot-button topics" like homosexuality. Anyway, I won't bore you with the details, but I just wanted to inform you all that my best COT friend was a guy.... a married guy. :)
Lackland: This Air Force base is practically a major city. The hospital is huge and there is about everything on base that a person could need/want. From horse stables and veteranarian clinics to fast food restaurants, pools, bowling alleys, and hiking trails, you can find anything at Lackland. Why even go to San Antonio? They even have auto shops to get your car serviced, and they will drop you off at your place of employment and pick you up at the end of the day! It's amazing!! I've completed two full days of orientation, and I think we will continue to orient and sign paperwork through the end of this week/early next week. My security clearance got messed up so I get to re-do paperwork tomorrow. I'm still unclear as to whether I have some big Top Secret clearance or if I have no clearance at all. They won't tell me.
GPS: Who invented this system?? I want to kiss that person!! I would totally be insane right now if it weren't for my Garmin! Although at times I think the thing is screwing with me- taking me home via different routes. Still, I couldn't do this and have a hair left on my head if it weren't for the GPS.
Alright... I've got a hungry girl here so I better rustle her up some grub! (I'm working on my Texan). We can cook it outside on the concrete since the temperature is well into the 100s! My car said 116 today!
I will try to keep the blog going. It's been a fun way to keep up with you all and stay connected. Thanks for inquiring and continuing to read it. :)
The End of COT: After much marching practice we weren't sure whether or not we would get to (have to!) do the parade because there was a 70% chance of storms that morning. Honestly, I was praying hard for rain although I felt a little guilty since so many people had family who had arrived just for this event. Their prayers won out, and we got to march. I was also a winner (sarcasm) because I got to drive from Montgomery to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in hurricane-type weather. The rain was unbelievable, and ensured that I did not do something stupid like try to drive all the way to San Antonio. I stayed the night in Beaumont, Texas, eating dinner at a Taco Bell with some of the cutest little Texan children talking in their adorable accents. I asked one of the boys how far it was to Houston, and he promptly told me, "Maaaa'ammm, it'll take ya a good hooourrrr and a haaaaf." Or something like that.... I'm can't write in Texan, but you get the drift. They have dehumidifiers in the hotel rooms in Beaumont. That town had to be the most humid place on Earth!
Worthington: Starting with Emily, several of you (my loyal readers) have commented on my friendship with Worthington and have begun to play matchmaker in your little minds. I laugh to myself (ha,ha,ha!), and I thought I would fill you in.... Worthington is gay. Ha!!! Just kidding... not in the military (at least we don't ask, right?). Actually, Worthington is married with five kids, and he is Mormon. They don't do that multiple wives thing anymore either! His religion made for some very interesting conversations while on those long runs, and I have a whole new respect for those guys who show up at the front door on Saturday mornings when I'm trying to enjoy my coffee and newspaper. Did you know those guys have to go away from their families for two years after high school, being sequestered for months at a time, to learn how to do all that? Of course, they learn more than just how to ring a doorbell and politely hand out literature. I was really amazed at the depth of their education about the church and the dedication these folks have to their version of God. Worthington indicates (both in word and action) that the Mormon church is non-judgmental about other religions, and we discussed some of those "hot-button topics" like homosexuality. Anyway, I won't bore you with the details, but I just wanted to inform you all that my best COT friend was a guy.... a married guy. :)
Lackland: This Air Force base is practically a major city. The hospital is huge and there is about everything on base that a person could need/want. From horse stables and veteranarian clinics to fast food restaurants, pools, bowling alleys, and hiking trails, you can find anything at Lackland. Why even go to San Antonio? They even have auto shops to get your car serviced, and they will drop you off at your place of employment and pick you up at the end of the day! It's amazing!! I've completed two full days of orientation, and I think we will continue to orient and sign paperwork through the end of this week/early next week. My security clearance got messed up so I get to re-do paperwork tomorrow. I'm still unclear as to whether I have some big Top Secret clearance or if I have no clearance at all. They won't tell me.
GPS: Who invented this system?? I want to kiss that person!! I would totally be insane right now if it weren't for my Garmin! Although at times I think the thing is screwing with me- taking me home via different routes. Still, I couldn't do this and have a hair left on my head if it weren't for the GPS.
Alright... I've got a hungry girl here so I better rustle her up some grub! (I'm working on my Texan). We can cook it outside on the concrete since the temperature is well into the 100s! My car said 116 today!
I will try to keep the blog going. It's been a fun way to keep up with you all and stay connected. Thanks for inquiring and continuing to read it. :)
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