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
Every Bus Line in DC Is Changing This Weekend. Here’s What to Know.
Yet Another Anti-Trump Statue Has Shown Up on the National Mall
8 Takeaways From Usha Vance’s Interview With Meghan McCain
Another Mysterious Anti-Trump Statue Has Appeared on the National Mall
Bans on Underage Vaping, Swastika Graffiti, Synthetic Dyes: New Virginia Laws Go Into Effect in July
Washingtonian Magazine
July Issue: The "Best Of" Issue
View IssueSubscribe
Follow Us on Social
Follow Us on Social
Related
How Would a New DC Stadium Compare to the Last One?
The Culture of Lacrosse Is More Complex Than People Think
Did Television Begin in Dupont Circle?
Kings Dominion’s Wild New Coaster Takes Flight in Virginia
More from News & Politics
Pardoned J6er Will Join Ed Martin’s Justice Department Office, Trump Outlines Hypothetical Alligator Escape Plan, and We Have Fireworks Show Recommendations
The “World’s Largest Outdoor Museum” Is Coming to DC. Here’s a Preview.
A Cult Classic of Cannabis Brands Is Making Its DC Debut
The Commanders Wine and Dine DC Council Members; GOP Senator Suggests Tax Language Was “Airdropped” Into Spending Bill; and Trump Wants DOGE to Investigate Musk
100 Reasons to Love DC Right Now
How DC’s Attorney General Got So Good at Double Dutch
DC Council Ponders New Way to Expel Trayon White, the GOP’s Budget Bill Advances, and We Found You Some Tacos With Ethiopian Flair
For DNC Chair Ken Martin, the Big Beautiful Bill Is Personal