Preventive medicine keeps doctor away

Published June 19, 2015
By Spc. Samuel Al-Nimri
350th Public Affairs Detachment

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- During the American Civil War, nearly two-thirds of the lives lost were due to disease. In this day and age, contagious illnesses are not typically a factor in wartime casualties, thanks in part to the efforts of preventive medicine units.

The 988th Medical Detachment based out of Round Rock, Texas is one such unit, currently participating in the ongoing Combat Support Training Exercise Global Lightning and the Quartermaster Liquid Logistics Exercise being held here at the joint base.

Detachment personnel fight against a broad array of ailments by conducting water, air and soil sample tests; entomological studies; and dining facility and base camps inspections. This ensures the health and safety of the thousands of Soldiers in field training here.

"We're basically the public health department of the Army," said Spc. David Boeman, 988th Medical Detachment preventive medicine specialist.

The 988th works with leaders at Forward Operation Base Victory at JB MDL by recommending quality-of-life improvements for Soldiers per their base assessment.

The detachment also conducts training among Field Sanitation Team soldiers to assist with preventive medicine at the unit level.

The 988th Medical Det. also tests mosquitos and ticks in the area for West Nile Virus, Malaria, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Lyme disease.

"We're here to keep all soldiers happy and healthy. And even if we can't help so much with the happy aspect, we can definitely help with the healthy," said Capt. Patrick McClellan, 988th Medical Detachment commander.

During Global Lightning, members of 988th Medical Detachment received assistance from Air Force public health and bioenvironmental units stationed at the joint base.

"Yes, we're Army, but it's important for us to reach out to our brethren in other branches of service and work together, and the Air Force has been extremely helpful in providing us the opportunity to use some of their resources," said McClellan.