JBLM Soldier Readiness Processing Center processes 18,000 Soldiers, twice

By Tawny M. Dotson, tawny.m.dotson@us.army.mil (Madigan Healthcare System)October 18, 2010

SRP
Maj. Gen. Eddy Spurgin presents a plaque to Joanne Clark, readiness branch chief. The general stopped by the Soldier Readiness Processing Center to thank the staff for their work processing the 36 Infantry Dvision for their mobilization. Clark and th... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

TACOMA, Wash. -- The Joint Base Lewis-McChord Soldier Readiness Processing Center recently received accolades for maintaining efficient processes while deploying and redeploying the largest troop contingent since the Korean War.

The SRP, made up of JBLM and Madigan Healthcare System employees, provided more than 56,000 immunizations and had 78,000 visits from Soldiers during the past year, making them one of the busiest soldier readiness centers in the Army. The SRP staff's commitment and quality work is being rewarded in the achievements given to the organization.

"This is one of the first stops that a mobilizing or deploying unit comes to. It was just a very positive experience for our Soldiers. It was very well planned and executed," said Maj. Gen. Eddy Spurgin, commander of the 36th Infantry Division, Texas National Guard. "It's just a big part of taking care of Soldiers; not only for my unit, but for all Soldiers who come through here."

The 36th ID is mobilizing and will be at Joint Base Lewis-McChord completing training requirements, filling equipment needs, and completing the mobility readiness process before their deployment. For six months leading up to their mobilization, the SRP staff worked with the unit to provide guidance and policies, assist with evaluating Soldiers for deployment readiness and completed medical case reviews. More than 700 of the division's Soldiers recently processed through the SRP in just over a week to finish the process. The division is a part of more than 18,000 Active-duty, Guard and Reserve Soldiers processed through JBLM's SRP since April.

"We did get a lot of Soldiers out the door on time in order to get them either deployed or redeployed, but we spent countless, long hours doing that and it was quality care from the very first Soldier in the morning until those Soldiers went home that day. We have processed them on Sundays, and early mornings too," said Andrea Madison, chief of the medical readiness branch. "Our operational hours start at 8 a.m., but if a Soldier walks up at 7:30 a.m., do I say 'I'm sorry we start at 8'' No."

The SRP is responsible for processing Soldiers, both active duty and Reserve, when they are deployed, mobilized, redeployed or demobilized. In order to deploy, a unit is required to complete a lengthy readiness process preparing them for either travel to or a return from a deployed location. Those stations include stops to update identification cards, dog tags, Servicemembers Group Life Insurance, wills, military pay records, TRICARE benefits, and medical stations such as eye, hearing, and dental checks in addition to updating immunizations.

Soldiers also visit the SRP site annually. The SRP staff's commitment to the job is evident when they discuss what a monumental accomplishment the past year has been to them.

"I feel very honored to be a part of this process. You have a bond with the Army that you just can't let go even once you retire," Madison said.

Kasanita Dees, a lead licensed practical nurse at the SRP site, recalls a number of stories about the Soldiers she remembers coming through, sometimes repeatedly. "I'm sad to see them go, but I'm glad to see them come back," Dees said. "To me it's a fulfilling job because I am like a stable figure in the process. They look for me and I help them."

In a typical day, the SRP will see more than 250 Soldiers and the providers will see around 30 Soldiers. "For me I guess I do take it personally, because I feel like I'm helping my Family. The military has been our Family for the past five years," said Liz McDowell, a physician's assistant at the SRP and an Army spouse.

The team at the SRP have worked together to accomplish their mission and to do so with compassion for the Soldiers.