Rock Solid Warrior Published Aug. 6, 2010 SOUTHWEST ASIA -- This week's 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Rock Solid Warrior comes from the 386th Expeditionary Medical Support Squadron (EMEDS). Name: Tech. Sgt. Judith Braden Unit: 386th Expeditionary Medical Support Squadron (EMEDS) Duty Title: EMEDS shift leader Home station: 88th Inpatient Operations Squadron/Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio How do you support the mission here? The 386th EMDG supports the medical needs of all personnel assigned to "The Rock." Without the care provided by us, including regular inoculations, Airmen would not remain worldwide qualified medically for their mission here and at Forward Operating Bases. Our unit was responsible for 42,000 annual patient encounters last year as well as assisting with the evacuation of 1,160 patients to a higher echelon of care. How many times have you deployed and what makes this deployment unique? I have deployed twice prior to this deployment. On my first deployment, I was assigned to a Mobile Aeromedical Staging Facility. On the second deployment, I served as an Aeromedical Evacuation Technician. This deployment differs because I have never deployed as an Expeditionary Medical Support (EMEDS) member. As an EMEDS medical technician, I am learning the vital role the Medical Group plays in support of its deployed location. How does your job differ in a deployed environment vs. home base? My job as a medic differs in this location because I am tasked with providing care to patients who range from healthy Airmen and civilians to third-country nationals. At my home station, I am the shift leader of the Medical Inpatient Unit and provide care for patients ranging from adolescents to geriatrics.