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JOINT FORCE BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska - Tech. Sgt. Brett Brandemuhl, a loadmaster from the 144th Airlift Squadron, briefs 176th Wing members on C-130 air safety protocols before take off, May 1, 2011. The members, a mixed group of about 30, were from the wing?s Medical Group, Civil Engineer Squadron, and the Sustainment Services Element, and were on Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) mission to Hayneville, Ala. The IRT program allows for real world training opportunities for military personnel while providing needed services to under-served communities in the United States. Alaska Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt N. Alicia Goldberger.

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HAYNEVILLE, Ala. - Capt. Andrew Adamich, an optometrist from the 176th Medical Group, Alaska Air National Guard, performs an equipment test on Airman Aaron Brehm, an optometry technician, also with the medicial group, May 1, 2011. Adamich is doing a inner ocular pressure test which helps in screening for glaucoma and for the early signs of the disease. Adamich and Brehm and about 30 other members from the 176th Wing are in Alabama for an Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) mission. The IRT program allows for real world training opportunities for military personnel while providing needed services to under-served communities in the United States. Alaska Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Shannon Oleson.

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HAYNEVILLE, Ala. - Senior Airman Joshua Frye and Master Sgt. Chadwick Jennings from the 176th Civil Engineer Squadron, Alaska Air National Guard, fit pipes together for a portable shower/shave kit, May 1, 2011. Frye, Jennings and about 30 other members from the 176th Wing are in Alabama for an Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) mission. The IRT program allows for real world training opportunities for military personnel while providing needed services to under-served communities in the United States. The Shower kits will be used by the men of the group during the 10-day mission. Alaska Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt N. Alicia Goldberger

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Alaska Air Guard performs training mission in Alabama

Published May 3, 2011
By Staff Sgt. N. Alicia Goldberger
176th Wing

HAYNEVILLE, Ala. -- Twenty-five Airmen from the Alaska Air National Guard's 176th Medical Group arrived here yesterday to provide medical assistance for this historically underserved community through May 10.

      The group will be offering optometry, dental, medical and pharmaceutical services to residents of the area, located approximately 20 miles southwest of Montgomery.

      A handful of Airmen from diverse support units accompanied the medical group to work service projects in the town, including a serious, on-going municipal plumbing problem.

      The mission, officially titled "TOWN OF HAYNEVILLE 2011," is part of a nationwide program called Innovative Readiness Training (IRT). Through this program, run by the Office of Assistant Secretary of Defense, communities and federally recognized charities in need can apply for support from trained Guard and Reserve units.

      The IRT program is meant to provide participants with readiness training, while leaving a lasting effect on communities, according to the IRT website.

      "We are very pleased and excited to be able to serve the people of Alabama," said Lt. Col. Sherolyn Lange, Chief Nurse of the 176th Medical Group and operations commander of the mission. "Our people need this training, and by participating in this mission, we can accomplish our training, while at the same time lending a helping hand in a part of the country that's been very hard lately."

      The Alaska National Guard members are working alongside approximately 35 comrades from other military services, including Marine Corp and Navy reservists and members of the active-duty Army, Navy and Air Force from around the country.

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