VIEW ORIGINAL
VIEW ORIGINAL
ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. –Every quarter, the Kirk U.S. Army Health Clinic hosts a Readiness Rodeo for active duty Soldiers. This event allows Soldiers to be seen by several medical professionals in one visit.
During this morning event, active duty Soldiers can receive immunizations, periodic health, hearing and dental examinations. They can also receive information about services from the Exceptional Family Member Program and the Army Wellness Center.
Deputy Commander for Nursing Maj. Julia Ryan said the Readiness Rodeo program is vital.
“This is important for our service members, so they are ready to deploy, make sure everything is up-to-date, so we block off time for them,” she said.
Ryan said to ensure all KUSAHC personnel can assist Soldiers, the clinic and pharmacies are closed, and reopen after lunch. Typically, 150 Soldiers attend the Readiness Rodeo, she said.
“We try to only close when there is a real significant reason to,” she said.
KUSAHC Commander Lt. Col. Maureen Giorio said the command’s primary mission and customer is the Soldier and their readiness.
“We cover everything from getting them critical labs to vaccines, to health and mental health evaluations in a one-stop-shop fashion,” she said.
Sgt. Maj. Stephen Cunnihgham, with the 20th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosives Command, said he appreciated the convenience of the Readiness Rodeo.
“Just having a day to get after the readiness, helps us compartmentalize the time,” he said. “And it gives us a break in the training schedule as well.”
Maj. Eleanor Gonzalez, with the 187th Student Detachment, based out of Fort Sam Houston, Texas, attended the Readiness Rodeo on Nov. 4 because she is currently attending school at the University of Maryland. She called it a “great program.”
“I think it should be utilized more,” she said. “The complexities of medial readiness [this program] make it a streamlined process. It is helpful to the units and the Soldier to be able to knock it out in one fell swoop because everyone is busy.”
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