HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- A 66th Medical Squadron Airman has been recognized as an Air Force Medical Service Trusted Care Hero for her commitment to operational awareness and patient advocacy.
Staff Sgt. Natasha Brooks, 66 MDS medical technician, earned the recognition after identifying and correcting an error in fitness restriction profile guidance that could have adversely impacted the health and readiness of Hanscom AFB Airmen.
“It’s truly an honor to be selected as the Trusted Care Hero,” said Brooks. “There are so many awards Airmen can be nominated for, and each one recognizes a different facet of our service. But at the heart of what we do as medics is providing ready, reliable care to service members.”
Brooks, a trained physical training leader, was reviewing procedures when she noticed a discrepancy in instructions provided to healthcare teams. The guidance, if followed, could have resulted in members who required Medical Evaluation Boards not being properly identified or treated.
She immediately escalated the issue, providing leadership with detailed documentation and helping facilitate corrective actions that aligned processes with established medical standards.
“Staff Sgt. Brooks exemplifies the very essence of this month’s theme, ‘Sensitivity to Operations,’” said Col. Nicole Garris, 66 MDS commander. “Her actions prevented significant negative downstream effects on both patient care and mission readiness.”
The Trusted Care Hero program recognizes Air Force medical professionals who embody the AFMS commitment to safe, reliable care.
Brooks said she’s grateful to be part of a team where such efforts are valued.
“To be recognized for essentially doing the job I love and believe in is quite a blessing,” she said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve and contribute to the well-being of our team.”