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East Central Georgia IRT teams arrive

  • Published
  • By Maj. John T. Stamm
  • 445th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
The East Central Georgia Innovative Readiness Training mission advance team finished up final lodging and clinic site preparation July 8, as the main body of medical, dental and optometry providers and support staff arrived at the central treatment site, in Warrenton, Ga.

Providers and staff will offer no-cost services July 11 through 18 from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. each day in clinics at the Old Thomson High School, Warren County High School, Jenkins County Elementary School, Taliaferro County School, and the Pope Conference Center, in Washington, Ga.

IRTs are Office of the Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs sponsored, Air Force Reserve led, multi-service/component training events intended to build mutually beneficial partnerships between the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. communities. The mission provides servicemembers with hands-on readiness training opportunities, while providing direct and lasting benefits to residents of each community served.

“IRT projects are a wise taxpayer investment,” said Maj. John Rundle, ECG IRT Officer in Charge. “Reserve and National Guard personnel are able to complete their annual training requirements while providing essential medial services to citizens with limited access to these services. The result is a combat-ready force equipped to the same standards of operational readiness as our active duty counterparts and stronger American Communities.”

The medical teams will provide medical screenings, counseling on various health conditions and physical examinations and basic medications will be dispensed when ordered by a medical provider. Invasive procedures will not be performed. However, medical care counseling and an appropriate referral will be given for follow-up care where feasible.

The optometry team assigned to the IRT will provide primary eye care services including exams, prescriptions, refractions and treatment of acute ocular conditions. Members of the Navy Ophthalmic Support and Training Activity will be available to provide timely fabrication and delivery of eyewear. The team will not deliver long-term care for chronic conditions or prescribe contact lenses.

Individuals age two and older may see general medical or optometry clinicians on a first come, first served basis. Individuals seeking dental care may schedule an appointment with Toya Baez at 706-210-2000 (slots are limited). Walk-in dental patients may also go to the clinic sites and will be seen if time permits. Residents of nearby counties are welcome.

This program is offered through a partnership among with the local county and city governments, local public health departments and the Central Savannah River Area Regional Commission. Warren County Board of Commissioners Chairman John Graham expressed gratitude for the IRT on behalf of all the communities involved.

“This is a great opportunity for our citizens with limited resources,” he said. “We cannot over-thank military personnel for their service in our area and to our nation.”