Land Component Command Sgt. Maj. visits medical battalion at Fort McCoy

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SPARTA, WI (07/27/2015)(readMedia)-- Illinois Army National Guard Land Component Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Bowman, of Plainfield, Illinois, visited with Soldiers from the Illinois Army National Guard's 108th Medical Battalion during the unit's annual training at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin July 15.

Bowman first visited with Soldiers of the 709th and 710th Area Support Medical Companies (ASMC) during their International Trauma Life Support Course (ITLS) at Fort McCoy's Medical Simulation Training Center (MSTC).

The MSTC offers Soldiers complete medical training, from basic combat lifesaver certifications to advanced trauma and hospital operations. The MSTC is fully equipped with classrooms and full-immersion hands-on training rooms that allow Solders to test their skills on fully functioning mannequins that breathe, writhe in pain, and even bleed.

Command Sgt. Maj. William Brown of Mahomet, Illinois, command sergeant major for the 108th Medical Battalion, said that the main focus for this year's annual training was a 96-hour culminating training exercise (CTE) that placed the 709th and the 710th AMSCs in the field for two 48-hour rotations. First Army was also a part of the CTE, providing oversight and recommendations for the 709th AMSC. Brown said that First Army was impressed with the training, and that his Soldiers were very motivated.

"We've trained for this all year," said Brown. "Morale and motivation is high, but CSM Bowman's visit is an absolute morale boost. These Soldiers relish the opportunity to show off their skills, especially to the state staff."

After the MSTC, Bowman visited with Soldiers from the 108th Med. who were on the M16A2 zero and qualification ranges. Bowman spoke with several Solders before they departed for the firing line, stressing the importance of basic Soldiering, to include marksmanship.

Bowman said that visiting troops in the field is an important task for leaders and that being out there shows that you care about what the Soldiers are doing. He added that it is an example of "leading from the front."

"Visiting Soldiers in the field during training or 'down range' during deployment is the best time to get their opinions on issues that matter to them," Bowman said. "Leaders have to be where their units are during the important periods where the work is getting done."

After departing the ranges, Bowman visited the 709th ASMC's field hospital and spoke to the Soldiers about their capabilities and training.

"These Soldiers out here train to do their jobs efficiently and without thought," said Bowman. "They can pull in with their vehicles and have a complete hospital up in running in a few hours. Our medical Soldiers love a challenge and relevant training, in and out of uniform. Capt. Jamie Gillette is an example of that."

Capt. Jamie Gillette, of Kingman, Arizona, originally of Auburn, Illinois, was flying to Chicago from Las Vegas to attend annual training when there was a commotion on the flight. Gillette said that two rows behind her a young woman was unconscious.

"I was watching the in-flight entertainment when I heard the flight attendants yelling for a doctor," said Gillette. "I got out of my seat and explained that I was an emergency room nurse and a physician's assistant in the National Guard. I assessed the patient, took her vitals, and gave her a quick exam. She was a healthy 16-year old female that hadn't had anything to eat before the flight. I reassured the flight crew and the girl's mother that she would be ok, and the flight didn't need to be diverted."

Once on the ground in Chicago, the girl and her mother were met by emergency medical staff and evaluated further. Overall, Gillette said the ordeal was nothing serious.

"It wasn't a big deal," said Gillette. "But I did get to talk on the 'secret squirrel batphone' to the pilot, so that was a highlight."

Cutline 1:Illiniois Army National Guard Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Bowman of Plainfield, Illinois, the Illinois Land Component Sergeant Major, addresses Soldiers of the 108th Medical Battalion before they step on the range to qualify at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin July 15. Bowman was visiting the unit during their annual training period. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Staff Sgt. Bryan Spreitzer, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs)

Cutline 2: A Soldier with the 108th Medical Battalion takes aim at the M16 Zero range prior to qualification shooting at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin July 15.Illiniois Army National Guard Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Bowman of Plainfield, Illinois, the Illinois Land Component Sergeant Major Bowman visited the unit during their annual training period. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Staff Sgt. Bryan Spreitzer, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs)

Cutline 3: Illiniois Army National Guard Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Bowman of Plainfield, Illinois, the Illinois Land Component Sergeant Major, shakes hands with Capt. Jamie Gillete, of Kingman, Arizona, originally of Auburn, Illinois, during his vist with Soldiers of the 108th Medical Battalion at Ft. McCoy, Wisconsin July 15. Gillette, a physician's assistant with the 709th Area Medical Support Company responded to an in-flight medical issue on her way to annual training with the unit. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Staff Sgt. Bryan Spreitzer, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs)