Deployed medics return to Patrick Published Oct. 18, 2006 By Tech. Sgt. Lisa Luse' 45th Space Wing PATRICK AFB, Fla. -- The 45th Medical Squadron recently welcomed seven members back from a four-month deployment to Iraq and Kuwait.Three of the individuals who recently returned are from the Preventive and Aerospace Medicine Team: Lt. Col. Miguel Medina, flight surgeon, Maj. William Jones, public health officer, and Capt. Michelle Waiters, chief bioenvironmental engineering officer. The two individuals from the Primary Care Team who spent their tour at Kuwait International Airport are Maj. Melinda Screws, family practice flight commander, and Tech. Sgt. Cliff Mathews, family practice non-commissioned officer in charge. Senior Airman Elyse Ford, a medical laboratory technician served as a third country national escort to make sure no one breached restricted areas. Capt. John Macgregor, family practice physician assistant, medically screened detainees at an undisclosed area. "I'm so happy all of our 45th Shark deployers have returned home safely," said Col. Florence Valley, 45th Space Wing Medical Group commander. "I am especially proud of what our well-trained medics have brought to the fight on terrorism." The 45th Medical Group members provided services in both primary care and preventive medicine. Primary care is similar to sick call. Patients have their blood pressure and heart rates checked and receive medicine for their symptoms. Preventive care involves industrial hygiene, air monitoring, radiation and respiratory protection for biochemical leaks that could cause future illnesses. "I learned some valuable things over there daily, realizing that our brothers and sisters in the Army, Marines, and Air Force Special Forces are out there keeping (our base) secure," said Airman Ford.