Event:
Joint training exercise between DMAT  and  the USAF Reserve 445th Transport Group on September 6,7,and 8.  Elements included were the DMATs KY-1, OH-5,  OH-6, and USAF AES and ASTS organizations.

Deployed Members:
Around 60 DMAT members were in attendance from represented teams.

History:
The OH-5 DMAT members arrived Friday afternoon at 1:00 PM to finish the task of loading equipment.  Most equipment had been loaded the previous week by a work detail, so only minor equipment was loaded and a large convoy left the VA grounds around 2:30 PM.  Upon arrival at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, the group was check through the gates and assembled at the 445th Airlift Wing headquarters.

Supplies and tents were soon being removed from the truck when the OH-6 group arrived from Youngstown to help.

Unloading the Truck

Tent errection was going on when our NDMS liaison, Buddy Bell arrived on the scene.  Buddy had to smile at the attempts that some of our newer members made in tent errection.  He said that after some practice a tent can go up in about 20 minutes.  Never the less, our six tents got up and when other logistics chores were done, we had a late evening spaghetti and salad supper.  Food always is welcome after a heavy work session.

Saturday, after breakfast of biscuits, gravy, and eggs, the group was broken into Medical, Logistics and Communications tracks each having several hours to do their own specific training and other joint training during the day.

Truck Victim is Rescued
Medical had classwork and talks given by knowledgable speakers on a variety of subjects.  In addition, mock patient care was also conducted in the field.

Logistics opened up boxes and set up sinks, water heaters, and the shower system.  Equipment was even tested with water.

Communications found the time usefull for testing the new satellite terminal and HF radio systems.  They were able to communicate with some 12 teams across the country.

They were also able to talk with the Office of Emergency Response in Rockville on both HF and Satellite systems. Teams that we contacted were AL-1, MA-1, CA-4, OK-1, NC-1, OH-1, KY-1, MI-1, MA-2, TX-4, CA-1, and FL-2.

Saturday evening, the USAF AES component treated their members and DMATs to a most excellent cook out.  Large franks and burgers were  grilled as the teams had been training, and to them were added all the fixings plus, potato salad, cole slaw, back beans and a special treat of cookies made by Col. L's daughter.

Sunday broke with more joint training and round robbins. I think Logistics trained different groups in setting up our big Western Shelter tent over 10 times.  After a box lunch provided by the Air Force, we broke camp and loaded everything back into the truck. A final picture of the group that was in attendance on Sunday secured the weekends activities.

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