14 MDSS supports the Columbus AFB mission

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Daniel Lile
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  The 14th Medical Support Squadron works constantly to support and keep the Airmen of Columbus Air Force Base fit to fight. They do this by providing support to the 14th Medical Group.

"The medical support squadron supports the overall functioning of the medical group through medical administration, systems, communication, resource management, logistics, pharmacy, radiology and the lab," said Master Sgt. Michael Atkins, 14th Medical Support Squadron NCO in charge of diagnostic imaging. "All those pieces come together to help support the mission of the 14th Medical Group."

There are many aspects to the squadron that are usually behind the scenes. Without the hard work of the Airmen that support Columbus AFB's mission who do not directly see patients, the whole medical group would suffer.

"The medical support squadron is manly divided into ancillary and administrative services to support the mission," said 1st Lt. Jenifer Mouser, Laboratory services flight commander 14 MDSS. "The laboratory, radiology and pharmacy are what is called ancillary services, which means we help the patients and the providers with some of the miscellaneous services. Then we have a lot of administrated services which are vital to getting patients the care they need."

Getting Airmen the medical attention they need is the mission of the 14 MDG as a whole. The 14 MDSS plays a vital role in supporting this mission from filling prescriptions to ensuring patients are properly enrolled in the medical system.

"In order to be seen by a provider you have to been enrolled, the medical support squadron makes that happen," said Mouser. "At the end of the day if we can't support the medical group then patients can't see a provider and the wing could not properly complete the mission."