Medical tech named March Airman of the Month

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Frank Casciotta
  • 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Airman 1st Class Lana Short, an aerospace medical technician with the 71st Medical Operations Squadron, was named the 71st Flying Training Wing Airman of the Month for March.

Each month Airmen are nominated to represent their squadrons as Airman of the Month. They face a board consisting of the previous month's Airman of the Month, a junior NCO, a senior NCO and a chief master sergeant.

The candidates are judged on military bearing and appearance while being questioned on current events and military policy.

"I was nervous before I walked in to meet the board," said Short. "Once I was in there I just focused on my bearing and answered their questions."

As an aerospace medical technician, Short is responsible for doing initial assessments for patients who go to the clinic.

"I will take their blood pressure, make sure medical records are in order then brief the doctor about the patient's concerns," said Short, a Hot Springs, Ark., native.

Short assists with administering medications, injections and emergency response incidents on the flight line.

"My favorite part of my job is responding to emergencies," said Short. "I feel more like a medical professional when I use the skills I learned during my technical training."

"Airman Short has been nothing less than exceptional since she arrived here six months ago," said Staff Sgt. Amanda Lenamond, the NCO in charge of clinical medicine for the 71st MDOS.

"She's eager to learn and work hard on every task she's received. There's no doubt in my mind she will exceed in whatever she attempts to do," said Lenamond.

Everyone has different reasons for enlisting. For Short, it's because her family is public service orientated.

"Most people in my family are police officers, firefighters, in the Army, Navy or Air Force," said Short.

Short is undecided on whether or not she will make a career out of the Air Force. It will depend on what experiences lay ahead, she said.