Linda and I spent Saturday at the BG William Menninger Army Reserve Center in Topeka with a bunch of old Army folks. The scary thing is that I was one of them. We had gathered to celebrate our return from Desert Storm 20 years earlier.
Our unit was a 400-bed evacuation hospital (think M*A*S*H, but bigger). There was more than 400 different staff – everything from doctors, nurses, medics, pharmacy staff, lab staff, communications, laundry, mechanical, drivers, administration, and many others. I was a medic in the emergency ward of our series of tents; I worked the night shift just about 7 days a week. I had just turned 20 years old and on a journey to growing up. I had been pulled out of my studies in Music Education at Kansas State University and found myself learning a lot about myself and what was important in my life.
As most know, I changed my major to nursing upon returning and I asked Linda to marry me. My experience in the emergency ward in Desert Storm had a very strong impact on my decision to enter the medical field.
At the reunion, I met up with several individuals that I had not seen in over 18 or more years. Unfortunately, my best friends from the war were not there. In fact, I’ve lost touch with the one person that meant the most to me. I still hold out hope that I’ll find him some day.
The unit commander was the first to see me upon arriving. He made a bee-line to me and Linda and quickly relayed to Linda how much I meant to him when under his command. He recalled a pretty nasty incident that occurred between me and a senior enlisted and how I had conducted myself with class; he commented on how much that had impressed him at the time. His eyes began to tear up while telling Linda how much this meant to him. I can’t tell you how much this meant to me. Thank you, COL Crisler!
Had a great time there. Great crew good leadership.
I was attached to the 410th EVAC as a casualty liason and would love to get in contact with some of the folks from the PAD. Is there an online community/site for the 410th?
Tim,
There is a “Desert Storm 410th EVAC” group page on Facebook. It can be found here. Let me know if you have any trouble finding it.
Tim brown. I was in the 410th in PAD. I’m pretty sure you were in our tent if I remember right. Email me at joeeastwood70@gmail.com
What’s up Spoke with A.J. Boyle today. It’s K.C. aka Dr. Kevin H. Collins living in viva las vegas. Hope all is well.
I was with the 401th during the Storm and Shield I came from FT Stwart GA. and I was a LPN on the ward we took a picture in a hanger when we returned to Riley does anyone have it
I was a medic with the 148th evac. hosp. out of Arkansas. We were joined with you guys out there. I remember playing some softball and volleyball games with you Kansas guys/girls. It was one of the few fun times over there. Hope all is well.
Glad to hear from you, Greg. I fondly remember our “sister unit” set up next to us. Actually, I participated in several joint chapel services – always a great time. Hope all is well with you, too.
My name is Charlene Winkler. I was Charlene Russell while with the 410th Evac Hospital in the 1970’s and 80’s. Where have the years gone! I was an LPN, than became an RN. I now serve Veterans as part of an Adult Day Care called Rose Cottage of Texas, here in Ft Worth, TX. Just wanted to say Hello!
Sgt Donna Burner(Jerome now). I remember the names, not so much faces anymore! I really cherish the time I spent over there, have lost track of most everybody, sad. No longer doin the lpn thing, last ten years spent caregiving for parents, family, then my twin that I lost 2 months ago.
Can anyone tell me what “SMBL” stands for? As in 410th Evac Hospital (SMBL).
Semi mobile
Does anybody have any recollection of Fred Hollenbeck, CRNA? I am trying to learn more about the 410th Evac. Thanks!