Military Medical Mission Makes a HUGE Impact in Choctaw Community!

Guess what, ChumCity friends? Over 70 brave soldiers from the 7245th Medical Support Unit at Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey, recently rolled into the MOWA Choctaw Indian Reservation to provide FREE medical, dental, vision, and even veterinary services! It was all part of the Reserve Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) Mobile-Washington (MOWA) Choctaw Wellness program. How awesome is that?

Helping Hands for Those in Need

From June 1st to June 15th, these dedicated men and women provided much-needed care to folks who might otherwise go without. Can you believe they racked up over 800 patient encounters in the first eight days alone, contributing an estimated $300,000 in service value? Talk about making a difference!

A Partnership That Works

Thomas Hudson of the Delta Regional Authority (DRA) said this mission was a total win-win: boosting military readiness while bringing healthcare to rural areas. "When we combine military readiness with community service, everyone wins," Hudson said. Preach!

"We Are Just So, So Excited!"

Chief Lebaron Bird of the MOWA Band of Choctaw Indians couldn't contain his excitement. "I get adrenaline when I think about everything that's going on!" He even mentioned they broke a record with 274 patients in a single day! That's incredible.

Soldiers Go Above and Beyond

Sgt. Erin Cuyun, who helped manage patient flow, was blown away by the community's appreciation. "It warms my heart the impact that we have," Cuyun said. This IRT rotation was also a chance for soldiers to learn new skills outside their usual roles!

Real-World Training, Real-World Impact

Capt. Penny Cannon, deputy program manager for the Army Reserve IRT program, highlighted that this mission gives soldiers valuable experience, while also filling critical care gaps in communities that need it.

Strengthening Communities, Building Trust

Lieutenant Col. Vivian Annan noted that the mission provided over 4,000 hours of hands-on training for medical personnel. From cleanings to eye exams, spay-and-neuter clinics to wellness checks, the services offered were wide-ranging, and the community's gratitude was clear.

"Healthier communities fuel economic growth," Hudson said. "They build workforce readiness and strengthen the very fabric of regional prosperity."

The IRT MOWA Choctaw Wellness mission shows how powerful military-civilian partnerships can be, delivering immediate benefits and building lasting trust. Keep up the amazing work, everyone!