MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- Airmen with the 42nd Medical Group on Maxwell Air Force Base left Alabama Feb. 19, 2021, to support the Federal Emergency Management Agency with vaccine administration in New York City.
The 25 deployed Airmen, which included clinicians, nurses, pharmacy technicians, medical technicians, logisticians and administrative personnel, joined the 335th Air Expeditionary Group, comprised of nearly 150 Airmen from bases across the country. The 335th AEG will man a FEMA vaccination center in Brooklyn, capable of administering 3,000 vaccinations daily.
FEMA is opening 100 vaccination centers across the United States to accelerate distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine, supported by Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen.
“This is a unique mission and you should be proud to be selected to participate in this ongoing fight against the pandemic,” said John Henry, 42nd MDG medical readiness flight chief, in a message to the deployed Airmen. “This mission has far reaching effects and will not only assist these personnel in selected areas, but get more vaccines into arms faster. Additionally, you will be representing the Air Force, Maxwell Air Force Base and the 42nd MDG. This is a huge honor. Take care of yourselves, your Wingman and the patients you serve. Stay safe, make yourself, the Air Force and your country proud.”
Tech. Sgt. Emily Darnell, 42nd MDG medical readiness noncommissioned officer in charge, said she was notified of the deployment less than a week prior, but was still eager to go and help carry out the mission.
“It is important for the 42nd Medical Group to support in any way we can,” said Darnell. “This is a fight that involves us all and all we want to do is serve our community and give back.”