After military service members are wounded in Iraq or Afghanistan, their first stop in the United States is Andrews Air Force Base, home to the 779th Medical Group Aeromedical Staging Facility. About 100 patients come through this combination airport and medical treatment center every week.
Upon arrival, patients are greeted by members of the Red Cross, who offer them a beverage and show those staying at the ASF to their rooms. (For some, this is only the first stop before heading to another facility, or back home.) The patients’ arrival at Andrews also marks the first chance in days for a hot shower, a sound night’s sleep, and a hot meal—T-bone steaks, fried chicken, and sweet tea are on the menu.
Combat troops usually arrive here 72 hours after being wounded. In the first Gulf War it took ten days, and the average journey during the Vietnam War took three weeks. The Andrews ASF is the primary East Coast hub for all medical evacuation aircraft bringing sick and injured patients from Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, making it the busiest such hub in the United States.
Behind The Scenes at Andrews Air Force Base (Pictures)
Our photo essay shows how the military handles wounded soldiers returning home.
A wounded serviceman is carried off a medical transport plane at Joint Base Andrews Naval Air Facility, MD. Photograph by Melissa Golden
Slideshow: Behind The Scenes at Andrews Air Force Base
After military service members are wounded in Iraq or Afghanistan, their first stop in the United States is Andrews Air Force Base, home to the 779th Medical Group Aeromedical Staging Facility. About 100 patients come through this combination airport and medical treatment center every week.
See Also:
Battling the Invisible Wounds of War
Soldiers Take One Step at a Time with Prosthetic Limbs
The Last Full Measure
Recruiting Norm Anderson
Upon arrival, patients are greeted by members of the Red Cross, who offer them a beverage and show those staying at the ASF to their rooms. (For some, this is only the first stop before heading to another facility, or back home.) The patients’ arrival at Andrews also marks the first chance in days for a hot shower, a sound night’s sleep, and a hot meal—T-bone steaks, fried chicken, and sweet tea are on the menu.
Combat troops usually arrive here 72 hours after being wounded. In the first Gulf War it took ten days, and the average journey during the Vietnam War took three weeks. The Andrews ASF is the primary East Coast hub for all medical evacuation aircraft bringing sick and injured patients from Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, making it the busiest such hub in the United States.
Most Popular in News & Politics
The “MAGA Former Dancer” Named to a Top Job at the Kennedy Center Inherits a Troubled Program
Sandwich Guy Has Become DC’s Hero
How Washingtonians Can Run, March, and Rally Against the Trump Administration Takeover
DC’s Police Union Head Is the Biggest Cheerleader of Trump’s DC Police Takeover
Trump’s Homeless Encampment Clearings Are Just Shuffling People Around
Washingtonian Magazine
September Issue: Style Setters
View IssueSubscribe
Follow Us on Social
Follow Us on Social
Related
These Confusing Bands Aren’t Actually From DC
Fiona Apple Wrote a Song About This Maryland Court-Watching Effort
The Confusing Dispute Over the Future of the Anacostia Playhouse
Protecting Our Drinking Water Keeps Him Up at Night
More from News & Politics
Congress Won’t Extend Trump’s Takeover of the DC Police, Norton Reiterates Plans to Run Again, and the Commanders’ New Season Starts Sunday
Why Trump Should Not Dine Out in DC
DC Sues Trump Administration Over Deployment of National Guard Troops
In Wild Coincidence, White House Drowns Out Epstein Rally With Jets; Tech Titans Will Gather on Rose Garden Patio Tonight; and Madison Cawthorn Hopes to Return to DC
The “MAGA Former Dancer” Named to a Top Job at the Kennedy Center Inherits a Troubled Program
Epstein Survivors Will Rally in DC Today, Trump Denies That He Has Died, and Someone Is Dotting Capitol Hill Trees With Bananas
We’re Calling It Now: Sandwich Guy Is the DC Halloween Costume of the Year
No Phones Allowed at This New DC Bar. Seriously.