What does it take to be named NCO/Soldier of the Year at Irwin Army Community Hospital? It’s more than strength. More than speed. More than knowing the right answer.

When SSG Richard Banks found himself thousands of miles from home, fighting to save a failing marriage while carrying the weight of leadership, grief, and exhaustion, he reached a breaking point no one around him could see.

SGT Christin Tait shares the deeply personal story of an unexpected medical emergency that took her pregnancy, her ability to have children, and her sense of identity as a mother. Still grieving the recent loss of her own mom, she opens up about guilt, isolation, and the struggle to find hope when there seemed to be none left.

When you’re not feeling your best, getting care shouldn’t mean waiting in line. VIPRR connects you with licensed providers from anywhere. Access same-day virtual appointments for common illnesses and prescriptions without leaving home.

IACH will move to a weekend status on Friday, Dec. 19, beginning at 11:30 a.m. During this time, only the Emergency Department and inpatient care services will remain open.

Several upcoming adjustments are affecting pharmacy and laboratory services in December and early January. These temporary changes are necessary to support training, facility upgrades, and safe operations. Patients are encouraged to plan ahead to prevent delays.

IACH’s Refractive Surgery Center is encouraging Active-Duty Soldiers to take advantage of a readiness-enhancing capability many still don’t realize they’re eligible for: Army-funded PRK and LASIK right here on post.

A Soldier with the 1st Infantry Division became the first patient to receive shockwave therapy at Irwin Army Community Hospital and he is already reporting relief from chronic pain that once limited his mobility.

Did you know that you can get virtual mental health services with TRICARE? These options are a great way to get care when you can’t visit a provider’s office in person. Virtual mental health visits take place through secure technology platforms.

Maintaining dental health is a critical part of overall force readiness. Are you on active duty but live far away from your nearest military dental clinic? Or do you need dental care that your military dental clinic can’t provide? You should know that TRICARE offers the Active Duty Dental Program. This program allows active duty service members to get care through civilian providers under certain circumstances.

If you have TRICARE For Life, you’ll get health care from Medicare providers. There are certain times you may need to file your own claims with WPS Government Services, the TFL contractor. Here’s what you need to know about when to file claims when you have Medicare and TFL.

TRICARE Open Season ends Tuesday, Dec. 9. Now is the time to review your TRICARE coverage for 2026.