SOUTHWEST ASIA –
In the 380th Expeditionary Medical Group, a large percentage of information is kept electronically in medical information systems and to lose that information could possibly give someone a "coronary."
But to save the day - every day - is the NCO in charge of medical information systems - Staff Sgt. David M. Libby. He makes sure those systems are not only working properly every day, but also are loaded with the latest protection software.
"I provide the support and maintenance for the medical computer servers and clinical workstations," said Sergeant Libby, who is deployed from Joint Base Andrews, Md., 779th Medical Support Squadron. "I have to ensure all systems are updated and running smoothly so that our providers and medical technicians are able to document all patient medical care in the electric medical records.
"I also coordinate with TRICARE and track all medical referrals to ensure patients can get the treatment needed if it is a service our clinic cannot provide," Sergeant Libby said.
The native of Porter, Maine, noted that without his support and operation of the medical systems, the prognosis for tracking and storing medical data would not be good. "Our systems allow the care providers to have the immediate access to information and tracks critical medical and unit data," Sergeant Libby said.
The 380 MDG provides care for all servicemembers deployed with the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing - more than 1,900 people. Sergeant Libby said he understands how important his role is in keeping the wing's Airmen at the best possible readiness level.
"A lot of times when you are stationed back in the states and are in the rhythm of your day-to-day duties, you sometimes forget or may not know how your job is important to the overall mission," Sergeant Libby said. "But when you arrive in the deployed theater, you can see everything that is going on. When you have leadership remind you how you are a vital asset to the mission and what impact you really have, it really makes you feel appreciated and proud that you are contributing to something as big as this."
A 12-year veteran of the Air Force, Sergeant Libby said he's followed in a family tradition of serving in the military.
"I love the Air Force and I am very happy to be able to deploy," Sergeant Libby said. "I'm happy to be able to help provide the medical support to all of the military members who are serving. I'm also proud to be following in my father's footsteps, as well as my older brother's, by joining the Air Force. It is a great feeling."
The 380 EMDG is part of the 380 AEW. The wing is home to the KC-10 Extender, E-3 Sentry, U-2 Dragonlady and RQ-4 Global Hawk aircraft. The wing is comprised of four groups and 12 squadrons and the wing's deployed mission includes air refueling, surveillance and reconnaissance in support of overseas contingency operations in Southwest Asia. The 380 AEW supports operations IRAQI FREEDOM and ENDURING FREEDOM and the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.