A newly established collaboration between the 711th Human Performance Wing’s Human Effectiveness Directorate, the Air Force Research Laboratory and the 59th Medical Wing is creating a military research working group to address defense space-linked medical research gaps. The Clinical and Operational Space Medicine Innovation Consortium, or COSMIC, will serve as a platform to fuse human health and performance research capabilities and expertise across both organizations.

The Allergy and Immunizations Clinic at Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center has established a walk-in Influenza Vaccine Line exclusively for active-duty status until Dec. 1, to expedite the vaccination of service members. Active-duty patients can receive their vaccination in the WHASC atrium, located between the C and D wings, on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and on Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Due to the holidays, hours of operation on Nov. 22, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and will be closed on Nov. 23 and 24.

Taking the initiative to seek help for emotional difficulties is a courageous and responsible step for a service member. According to a recent study, 26 percent of active-duty service members reported using mental health services in the past year. The Air Force Medical Readiness Agency Behavioral Health branch reported data from 2014 to 2019 showing the volume of clinical services delivered to active-duty members within AF mental health clinics increased by 32 percent. Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center’s Mental Health Clinic is dedicated to ensuring that all service members receive effective care in a timely manner. After assessing a patient’s needs, the mental health team creates a personalized care plan designed to yield positive results. Depending on the patient’s needs, the clinic may recommend external resources such as Military One Source, Military and Family Life Counseling, the Chaplain, or embedded Mental Health providers within a unit. Alternatively, specialty mental health treatment within the Mental Health Clinic, including group or individual therapy and medication, may be recommended. The clinic prioritizes compassionate treatment aimed at improving functioning in crucial life areas.

Retired U.S. Air Force Col. Dr. Paul M. Sherman, was recently honored with a fellowship for his exceptional contributions to aerospace medicine at the 2023 Aerospace Medical Association's 93rd Annual Scientific Meeting. Dr. Sherman, currently serving as the Director of Radiological and Aerospace Medical Research at the 59th Medical Wing Chief Scientist’s Office, Defense Health Agency, Joint Base San Antonio Lackland, Texas, has had a distinguished career. He previously served at the USAF School of Aerospace Medicine and the 711th Human Performance Wing, retiring with the rank of colonel after 27 years of service.

It’s important to understand your TRICARE health plan options so you can choose the right coverage for your family. Here are some things to consider when you research your options.

Have you reviewed your TRICARE coverage for 2024? Now is the time, because TRICARE Open Season ends Dec. 12. Open season may be your only chance to enroll in TRICARE coverage or change your health plan for 2024.

For many people, the holiday season brings expectations of joy. But for some, the holidays may be a time of stress, sadness, or isolation. Life events like the deployment of a spouse, the loss of a loved one, and complex family dynamics can affect how we feel during the holiday season.

TRICARE Open Season is here. Now through Dec. 12, most people enrolled in or eligible for TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select can make enrollment changes for next year. Open season doesn’t apply to everyone who uses TRICARE.