Dover Air Force Base, Delaware —
On May 5, 2023, seven recently returned 512nd Airlift Wing deployers completed a medical examination at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware.
This group of Liberty Wing warriors is one of over 150 Wing Reserves deployed around the world this year. One focus in their reintegration process is completing medical appointments. Part of this process is the Separation History and Physical Exam, or SHPE. This exam is required if the Reserve Component member has an active duty order of 180 days or more of her continuous service.
Master sergeant. Lindsey Messner, physical manager for the 512th Aerospace Medical Squadron, is one of her key figures in helping returnees with their post-deployment medical needs.
“The SHPE questionnaire essentially asks health questions related to the deployment,” she said. “If something physically or mentally harmful happens during deployment, we can provide ongoing care for those conditions.”
Messner said the 436th Medical Group is also playing an integral role in the process by supporting in-person care, laboratory work and audiograms. She said she really appreciates the help from her current colleagues.
436th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron SHPE Nurse Sandra Krumm said she enjoys working together to ensure 512th AW members receive the best possible service after deployment.
“I will give instructions on the tasks that need to be completed prior to the appointment of SHPE, as well as help schedule airmen returning from deployments requiring SHPE,” she said. “Once their SHPE is complete, upload all the documents to the chart and close the SHPE.”
Geyo Magahis, Staff Sergeant of the 512th Security Force Company, recently returned from a U.S. Africa Command deployment and said he was grateful for the timely assistance.
“It was one of the first things I was trying to deal with, and it’s been amazing to literally square off in the first 48 hours of coming home,” he said. “I had a question or issue I wanted to address. The fact that they were able to help immediately was a huge relief.”
Messner said being able to help recently placed patients is the most rewarding part of her job.
“I am honored to be a part of this process,” she said. “I enjoy helping them not only when they return from deployment, but also when they need ongoing care.”