The most recent appropriations for the Department of War expired at 11:59 p.m. EST on September 30, 2025. Military personnel will continue in a normal duty status without pay until such time as a continuing resolution or appropriations are passed by Congress and signed into law. Civilian personnel not engaged in excepted activities will be placed in a non-work, non-pay status.
If you have a scheduled appointment or other business at the MTF, please verify with your provider or applicable office within the MTF to ensure there are no changes in schedule. To learn how the lapse in appropriations affects your TRICARE benefit, visit tricare.mil/shutdown.

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U.S. Air Force Col. (Dr.) Richard Townley, ophthalmologist at Joint Base Elmendorf- Richardson, Alaska, performs manual small incision cataract surgery on a patient while U.S. Air Force Maj. (Dr.) Zack Heath, ophthalmologist at Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center, Joint Base San Antonio- Lackland, Texas, stands by a mayo cart full of products and tools necessary for surgery. Both men are wearing gloves, an apron, mask and cap to enhance operating room sterilization.


Surgeons Restore Sight and Forge Connections in Panama

From the left, U.S. Air Force Col. (Dr.) Richard Townley, ophthalmologist at Joint Base Elmendorf- Richardson, Alaska, performs manual small incision cataract surgery on a patient while U.S. Air Force Maj. (Dr.) Zack Heath, ophthalmologist at Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center, Joint Base San Antonio- Lackland, Texas, stands by a mayo cart full of products and tools necessary for surgery at Regional Hospital Dr. Luis "Chicho" Fabrega in Santiago de Veraguas, Panama, July 19, 2023. Panamax Alpha 2023 offered U.S. military personnel the opportunity of working in resource-limited settings which sharpened their clinical skills while nurturing problem-solving, adaptability, and flexibility, which are crucial as the equipment, methods, and setting often differ from the usual, requiring surgeons to adapt. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kelsey Martinez)

Related Imagery
A SimX virtual reality headset rests on a table during a demonstration at Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, Sept. 5, 2025.
A display shows the virtual environment during a demonstration of SimX’s Virtual Reality Operational Medical Training at Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, Sept. 5, 2025.
Col. Tracy Bozung, 59th Medical Wing deputy commander works with Retired Col. Cheryl Lockhart, senior military advisor for SimX, during a demonstration of SimX’s Virtual Reality Operational Medical Training at Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, Sept. 5, 2025.
The 59th Medical Wing transitions from Air Education and Training Command to Air Force Medical Command on Sept. 9, 2025
Senior Airman Ebenezer Owusu Arthur, 59th Medical Wing, displays a Commanders Cup medal and Most Valuable Player award following his performance in a military soccer tournament in Utah.
Senior Airman Ebenezer Owusu Arthur, 59th Medical Wing central sterile processing technician, poses for a portrait at Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center.
Senior Airman Ebenezer Owusu Arthur, 59th Medical Wing, takes a penalty kick during a photo shoot recognizing his achievements at a military-only soccer tournament in Utah.
Senior Airman Ebenezer Owusu Arthur, 59th Medical Wing, juggles a soccer ball during a portrait session highlighting his participation in a military-only soccer tournament hosted by Major League Soccer’s Real Salt Lake.
Capt. Jesus Silvas, a microbiologist with the U.S. Army Reserve Medical Command assigned to the 59th Medical Wing’s Office of Research and Technology Applications, and Dr. Israel Guerrero, a virologist with Texas Biomedical Research Institute, speak to students Aug. 7, 2025, at Mendez Elementary School in San Marcos, Texas
Capt. Jesus Silvas, a microbiologist with the U.S. Army Reserve Medical Command assigned to the 59th Medical Wing’s Office of Research and Technology Applications, shows students a Biosafety Level 4 Positive Pressure Suit Aug. 7, 2025, at Mendez Elementary School in San Marcos, Texas, as Dr. Israel Guerrero, a virologist with Texas Biomedical Research Institute, explains its use.
A student tries on a Biosafety Level 4 Positive Pressure Suit with assistance from Capt. Jesus Silvas, a microbiologist with the U.S. Army Reserve Medical Command assigned to the 59th Medical Wing’s Office of Research and Technology Applications, Aug. 7, 2025, at Mendez Elementary School in San Marcos, Texas, as Dr. Israel Guerrero, a virologist with Texas Biomedical Research Institute, describes laboratory safety levels.
Capt. Jesus Silvas, a microbiologist with the U.S. Army Reserve Medical Command assigned to the 59th Medical Wing’s Office of Research and Technology Applications, shows students a Biosafety Level 4 Positive Pressure Suit Aug. 7, 2025, at Mendez Elementary School in San Marcos, Texas, as Dr. Israel Guerrero, a virologist with Texas Biomedical Research Institute, explains its use.
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