212th Combat Support Hospital Celebrates Family Day and the Month of the Military Child

MIESAU, Germany - U.S. Army Europe's 212th Combat Support Hospital (CSH) opened its gates to 200 families and kids to celebrate Family Day and honor the Month of the Military Child April 23 at Miesau Ammo Depot, culminating a two week field training exercise (FTX).

During this spring FTX, the 212th hosted 26 representatives from 14 NATO countries to observe and conduct a medical evaluation of the CSH. Before the CSH broke down its tents and packed them up again for the upcoming missions, the families had the unique opportunity to see the fully-functional field hospital and had a guided tour of the facilities.

For 7-year old Carsyn Angeles it was an opportunity to see where his father works.

"It was so cool to see what Dad and the other Army guys do in the hospital!" said Carsyn.

Maj. Chris Angeles, a nurse anesthetist and Carsyn's father, explained how the various machines work, put him on the operating table as a pretend patient, and demonstrated how he puts patients to sleep for surgery.

"It was amazing to see the hospital standing and experience firsthand the hard work put on by the Soldiers, assembling everything from the tents to all the equipment inside. Great job!" said Anna Aledia as Sgt. 1st Class Arvin Aledia, showed her and their son the 12-bed intensive care unit.

Capt. Ashley Restuccio a CSH nurse, whose husband is also an Army nurse at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, said this experience was beneficial for her husband: "It was nice for my husband to actually see where I work and what the CSH looks like all set up."

In addition to seeing the inside of the field hospital, children were eager to explore a variety of fun stations such as a truck display, bouncy house, sumo wrestling, card games, and movie marathon. Kids and families even came by the emergency medical treatment section to do hands on with equipment and play "I'm the Doctor Today."

For some kids, it was the simple joys that made an impression on them.

"I liked seeing where Daddy works and most of all, the bouncy house," stated 6-year old Mandy.

"I liked the slide and seeing the Army hospital where you fix people!" said 4-year old Zach.

For lunch, barbecue was cooked fresh from the CSH's containerized kitchen while Family Readiness Group (FRG) volunteers prepared a variety of side dishes..

In a ceremony in front of Soldiers and families, 212th CSH Commander Col. Brian Almquist and Command Sgt. Maj. Joseph Stewart presented Mrs. Megan Hyman with the Commander's Award for Public Service in recognition of her tireless efforts serving as the FRG leader this past year.

Finishing off the event, about eighty 212th children were recognized and presented with Certificates of Appreciation (from the Military Child Education Coalition) that read: "We're proud of you! We thank you for your service too!" following this year's theme for Month of the Military Child: "Grit, Determination, Perseverance. Military Kids: Tomorrow's Trailblazers".

The Family Day made an impact not only on children and families but also on the 212th CSH Soldiers as well.

The wet weather did not dampen unit morale, especially for 1st Lt. Ryan O'Leary: "It was pretty cool to see all family members come together regardless of weather conditions and have a good time." said 1st Lt. Ryan O'Leary, an intermediate care ward nurse.

For dental technician Sgt. Lisa Pope, it reinforced unit pride: "It was great to show friends and families what we have been able to accomplish as a hospital and show how it runs."

Related Links:

Article - 212th CSH NATO MEDEVAL

212th CSH Facebook Page

Stars & Stripes Coverage - 212th CSH NATO MEDEVAL