United in mission-BSC appreciation week

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Melanie Hutto
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Recently, 171 officers, enlisted personnel and civilians of the Biomedical Science Corps (BSC) were recognized for their hard work and dedication to the 6th Air Mobility Wing, and its 38 mission partners at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.

To commemorate the anniversary, Jan. 25-29, and recognize the contributions of these men and women, the BSC team held multiple events throughout the week. Celebrations included a luncheon, a broadcast with Brig. Gen. James McClain, the BSC chief, a scavenger hunt, and an ice cream social to close out the week.

"It's important to recognize the diverse skills, training, and experience of all the contributors to these career fields...both to increase the use of services and to help every provider, technician, administrator, and other BSC members feel appreciated for their hard work," expressed Capt. John Blue Star, clinical psychologist with the 6th Medical Operations Squadron.

The BSC is a unique corps of 18 Air Force specialty codes, united in mission, to provide a broad spectrum of clinical and scientific expertise for the Air Force Medical Service (AFMS). Of the 18 distinct specialties codes, 15 are represented at the MacDill and Brandon clinics.

The specialties at MacDill consist of: bioenvironmental engineering, clinical psychology, mental health services, clinical social work, biomedical laboratory, medical laboratory, dietetics, diet therapy, optometry, ophthalmology, pharmacy, physical therapy, physical medicine, public health, audiology, and physician assistants.

"These AFSCs, both individually and collectively save lives, improve well-being, and keep the military and their families strong," expressed Blue Star. "Often times, people are unaware of all the work that goes on behind the scenes to serve them."

The BSC team supports more than 10,000 uniformed soldiers, sailors, Airmen and Marines, along with more than 215,000 military retirees and dependents. 

The BSC's roots date back to 1917, when the Sanitary Corps was established to combat infectious diseases. The Army Medical Administrative Corps followed three years later and, in 1949, the AFMS was officially established.

The AFMS continued to expand over the next two decades, and in 1965, the BSC was born. Over the past 51 years, the BSC has continued to expand its range of personnel to include a wide variety of medically-trained professionals.

"We have a fantastic crew, and I want to say thank you to them and the efforts they have taking care of our patients," said Col. Kevin Franke, 6th Medical Group commander.