Articles

April 14, 2025

Building Readers at Home: A Parent's Guide to Early Literacy

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas — Literacy begins long before a child enters school—and parents play the most important role. This article offers simple, age-based strategies for military families to nurture early reading and language skills from birth through preschool. With consistency, connection, and a few good books, parents can give their children a strong head start—one story at a time.

April 9, 2025

Breaking the Silence: How the 59th MDW Is Transforming Mental Health Care for Military Aviators

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas — Capt. (Dr.) William Hoffman, a neurologist and aeromedical researcher with the 59th Medical Wing, is addressing widespread healthcare avoidance among military aviators through data-driven research and policy advocacy. His findings show that fear of losing flight status discourages many pilots from seeking medical or mental health care, prompting the development of initiatives like the Military Aviator Peer Support (MAPS) program. By promoting early intervention, peer support, and reforming mental health policies, Hoffman aims to shift military aviation culture toward one that embraces mental wellness as a component of mission readiness.

March 21, 2025

Your health care news (Mar. 21 Update)

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO — Here's the latest news regarding your health care at the 59th Medical Wing. Please help us spread the word regarding these updates and service offerings! EXERCISE & REDUCED OPERATIONSThe 59th Medical Wing will have reduced operations on March 25 at Lackland Air Force Base (to include Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center) and March 27 at Randolph

March 20, 2025

The heartbeat of the clinic: 59th Medical Wing cardiology pumps out awards

JBSA-LACKLAND, Texas — Three members of the 59th Medical Wing’s cardiology clinic were recognized in January for their dedication and versatility, earning group-level awards for their contributions to patient care. Among them, Suzanne Packard, a U.S. Navy veteran and registered cardiac sonographer, also received a wing-level award for her leadership and instructional role in training airmen. Lt. Col. Charles McMichael, the clinic’s flight commander, praised the team’s cohesiveness, emphasizing their commitment to delivering high-quality care and supporting the military mission.

March 14, 2025

ADVISORY | Reduced operations during JBSA exercise

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, Texas — To fully participate in a Joint Base San Antonio exercise, the 59th Medical Wing will operate at reduced capacity during the following dates and times:  Reduced Operations on March 25th until 1:00 p.m. at Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center (JBSA-Lackland)  Reduced Operations on March 27th until 1:00 p.m. at Randolph Clinic

March 10, 2025

Air Force Empowers Airmen Through Continuous Improvement Green Belt Certification

JBSA-LACKLAND, Texas — The Air Force’s Continuous Improvement and Innovation (CI2) program equips Airmen with Lean Six Sigma tools to enhance efficiency and mission readiness. Through Green Belt certification, Airmen complete online training and lead process improvement projects to streamline operations. This initiative fosters a culture of innovation, ensuring the Air Force maximizes resources and maintains operational excellence.

Feb. 28, 2025

Military Aviator Peer Support Program Expands with 59th Medical Wing Research and Leadership

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas — The Military Aviator Peer Support program at Ramstein Air Base, developed by the 86th Operations Group with support from the 59th Medical Wing, provides Air Force aviators with peer-based, non-medical mental health support to address stressors while maintaining flight readiness. Backed by research highlighting healthcare avoidance among aircrew, the program trains enlisted and officer peer supporters to offer confidential guidance, with ongoing evaluation to expand its impact across the Air Force.

Feb. 12, 2025

Lt. Col. J. Brett Ryan earns Arthur S. Flemming Award for contributions to dental research

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas — U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. J. Brett Ryan, recipient of the Arthur S. Flemming Award, is recognized for his leadership in military dental research and innovation. His work enhances operational readiness and advances oral health care for service members.

Jan. 31, 2025

Air Force Medical Leaders Observe Cutting-Edge Medical Readiness Training at Camp Bullis

CAMP BULLIS, Texas — U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Sean Collins, Air Force Medical Command (AFMEDCOM) commander, and Brig. Gen. Eveline Yao, AFMEDCOM chief of staff, visited the 59th Medical Readiness Training Center (MRTC) at Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis, Texas, to observe medical readiness training on 31 Jan. 2025.

Jan. 28, 2025

Wilford Hall Lab Sets the Gold Standard in Military Medicine

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas — The Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center laboratory is the largest Air Force clinical lab, providing critical diagnostic support to military personnel and their families with precision and efficiency. With a team of 72 experts conducting 2.2 million tests annually, the lab upholds the highest standards of care, innovation, and mission readiness in military medicine.