AROUND TINKER: Wildcatters earn 72nd ABW awards Published Jan. 8, 2016 By 72nd Air Base Wing TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The 72nd Air Base Wing recently honored one team and one individual from the 72nd Medical Group with Wildcatter Awards. The Mental Health Team is made up of 38 highly educated, skilled and trained personnel selflessly serving the greater population of Tinker Air Force Base day in and day out. During the last quarter, the mental health team responded to 37 acute walk-in patients and managed the care of 55 high interest cases all while maintaining their normal workload. Furthermore, four Command Directed Evaluations and 33 Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment evaluations also took place. This quarter was a busy one and this team seamlessly transitioned 46 members to higher levels of care out in the local community. This team is not only focused on fulfilling and sustaining the mission, but is committed to providing the best care to our patient population. The team's patients have a 100 percent satisfaction rate, based on the customer service kudos delivered by the squadron commander to the mental health team. This team also manages the largest neurological program in the Air Force Materiel Command, conducting approximately 1,200 cognitive tests annually leading the major command with 100 percent, ensuring all deployers assigned to this base are mentally fit. More specifically, this team processed 255 deployers this past quarter. Additionally, the Mental Health Clinic drove 2,200 patient encounters and reduced their no-show rate from 11 percent to 5.1 percent. This team is No. 1 of 9 in appointment no-show rates within AFMC. The flight has also been recognized within the squadron by winning quarterly awards in two categories, CGO and Airman. Also, the ADAPT Clinic received recognition at Air Force level for having one of the most robust Alcohol Drug Abuse Counselor training programs in the United States Air Force. The program was noted for being ahead of AF/SG mandate of 100 percent 7-Level certification by March 31. The Tinker ADAPT program has set the benchmark for all other bases to look up to. The Mental Health Flight has also continued to improved interagency collaboration by coordinating, facilitating and participating in numerous outreach activities. The Mental Health Clinic teamed up with the chaplain to put on the "No Greater Love 9/11 Run" which yielded more than 500 participants. Senior Airman Patrick Allen, Mental Health technician, authored a Tinker Take Off article titled "Any is too Many," which was recognized at the Air Force level and highlighted during the UEI Inspection. Capt. Mayrin Munguia and Staff Sgt. Caitlin Remington coordinated with the Integrated Delivery System to provide outreach walkabouts in the high risk career fields with the Equal Opportunity Office, Civilian Health Promotions, Tinker Health Promotions and the Chapel. Their presence in the community is rising and with the aim of reducing the stigma of seeking services with Tinker's helping agencies such as mental health, ADAPT and the Family Advocacy Program. The technicians of this team are also highly involved in serving the local community and working toward higher education degrees. Sergeant Remington has recently completed her bachelor's of psychology. In fact, 56 percent of the mental health techs have completed their bachelor's degree, with the team completing a total of nine classes during the last quarter. Two technicians in the flight are currently enrolled in an MS program. One team member has become an instrumental mentor at the Junior Enlisted Recreation Center. Additionally, one team member that organized a very successful couple's retreat titled, "Love Lab" featuring five renowned speakers which allowed for 150 couples to attend. The couples retreat was so effective that it is now an annual event through the member's local church. The Family Advocacy Element also organized a couple retreat weekend getaway in Oklahoma City called "Partner Relational Seminar" with great success. Mental Health team members are: Maj. Ryan Buhite Master Sgt. Huey Watson Maj. Gail Bates Maj. Dawn Tanner Capt. Jennifer Landucci Capt. Mayrin Munguia Capt. Markia Anderson Dr. Jerri Turner Dr. Steven Hubbard Nicole Bush Tech. Sgt. Steven Baer Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Garrison Staff Sgt. Caitlin Remington Senior Airman Patrick Allen Senior Airman Andre Conley Senior Airman Brett Cleveland Airman 1st Class Saddie Leist Airman Mijah Graham-Johnson Olga Simons Sally Smith Floyd Clawson Sumruam Sayles Rodney Viney Don Bowen Reba Ferguson Alecia Teacher Marci Johnson Traci Bassham Brandy Povec Joyce Atlee Audra Feisal Sheila Dejournett Meaghan Park Wanda James Capt. Brian Zembower has been a staff optometrist at Tinker since last August. During this short time, he has already significantly contributed to executing Optometry's mission of ensuring the visual readiness of the 72nd ABW. He has been fundamental to the 72nd AMDS delivering best-of-class, patient-centered care, while taking best care of Airmen across Team Tinker. Captain Zembower is a real team player, and uses his mastery of the field to educate the flight, offering a fresh and innovative perspective to the rest of our organization. On a daily basis he cares for up to 15-20 patients, and is able to accomplish this with precision, and always with a concern and bed-side manner that takes most doctors many years to attain. Recently, Captain Zembower and his team were absolutely critical to the urgent care provided to a US Army UH-60 crew that was exposed to laser radiation during a mission. His quick thinking and detailed examination enabled all three Soldiers to be examined and cleared to return to flight duties with no permanent injuries or loss of function. Captain Zembower's selfless service and integrity continue to be evidenced by his patients' high level of customer satisfaction.