December 15, 2008
Specialist Freddie Ballesteros with new friends in Tununak during the 2001 Arctic Care training exercise. (YKHC file photo by Dana Hall).
Arctic Care exercise returns to Western Alaska
By Tiffany Zulkosky, Public Relations
Arctic Care, also known as the Innovative Readiness Training exercise, will return to the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta March 3-15, 2009, to provide no-cost veterinary and medical services to local residents.
This exercise allows military reserves personnel to perform two weeks of training within the country, in sometimes extreme conditions, serving Americans. The Navy will be leading the 2009 exercise, but all branches of the military will be involved.
Medical teams will be in place for 10 days in 11 Delta communities: Hooper Bay, Chevak, Toksook Bay, Alakanuk, Mtn. Village, Atmauthluak, Quinhagak, Kwigillingok, Kalskag, Kwethluk, and Newtok. Residents of nearby villages can travel to one of the 11 sites to receive services.
At YKHC's request, Arctic Care will be providing veterinary services such as dog vaccinations and spay/neuter procedures for village pets. "Because rabies is so endemic, we want to make sure we protect animals and the humans around them," said Dr. Joseph Klejka, Corporate Medical Director for YKHC.
Expected medical personnel will include dentists, optometrists, physicians or mid-levels, and veterinarians. Specialists will also be at the Bethel hospital providing colonoscopies, dental procedures requiring anesthesia, and women's health services.
Arctic Care has been to the YK Delta three times previously-in 1997, 1998, and 2001. Each operation resulted in memorable experiences for those serving as well as those who were served. Because of the success of the previous operations YKHC welcomes all the military personnel to the region with appreciation and high expectations.
The appreciation has worked both ways, as Cpl. Zachary A. Bathon wrote following the 2001 exercises: "More than 180 servicemembers participated in the exercise and were able to complete their mission, help the local residents and maybe learned a little bit about their culture as well."
