Videos

Jan. 31, 2024

An Impossible Win?

FORT RILEY, Kansas — SSG Christopher Ramirez and his team are facing an uphill battle. Outnumbered 6 to 1 by their counterparts at Brooke Army Medical Center. They're the Davids taking on the Goliaths in the Best Leader/Best Squad competition in April 2024. But the Ophthalmology NCOIC isn't fazed. Pressure? It fuels him. Doubt? It's his motivation. Hear Ramirez reveal: • Why he welcomes the pressure and doubt that come with being the smaller team. • His biggest physical hurdle and how he's pushing himself to overcome it. • The grueling training tactics he uses to stay ahead of the competition. • His secret weapon that could give IACH the edge they need to win. Will Ramirez and his underdog squad defy the odds and claim victory? Follow the IACH Team here and root them on. Music title "Emergent" by Scott Buckley (@ScottBuckley) – released under CC-BY 4.0.

Jan. 30, 2024

He's Back

FORT RILEY, Kansas — Disappointed but not defeated, SGT Jacob Brand is back with a burning ambition: to lead his team to Victory in the 2024 Best Leader/Best Squad competition for Medical Readiness Command-West. Coming close in 2023 wasn't enough for this determined Soldier. He tasted the runner-up spot, but now he craves the gold. His secret weapon? Training alongside the 2023 regional winners as they prepared for the Medical Command-level competition. Witnessing their grit and skill up close, Brand is convinced that his team at Irwin Army Community Hospital has the raw talent and unwavering spirit to conquer the competition. But Victory won't come easy. Brand knows they'll face fierce competition from across the ranks. That's why he draws inspiration from heroes like SGT Garrett Paulson, a junior NCO who in 2022 defied the odds, proving that even a combat medic from a hospital unit can dominate against combat arms specialists on the national stage. This is IACH's year — the Year of Victory. This is SGT Brand's moment. Follow IACH's journey on social media and cheer them on to Victory! Music title "Emergent" by Scott Buckley (@ScottBuckley) – released under CC-BY 4.0.

Jan. 30, 2024

Pint-Sized Powerhouse

FORT RILEY, Kansas — She's the smallest Soldier on the IACH Team, competing for Best Leader/Best Squad. But don't be fooled by her size. SPC Alina Escamilla, a radiology technician, might be 5 feet, but she packs a punch that rivals giants. Being small has never defined her. It has fueled her and that fire burns brighter than ever in the face of this grueling competition for Best Leader. This isn't just about the experience for SPC Escamilla. This is about winning. She doesn't mince words: "I'm here to be the best, not just participate." Will her spirit and mentality be enough to conquer the competition? Watch her story unfold. Music title "Emergent" by Scott Buckley (@ScottBuckley) – released under CC-BY 4.0.

Sept. 5, 2023

The NCO Dilemma

FORT RILEY, Kan. — As they remember moments of doubt, overwhelming stress, and the emotional toll of being non-commissioned officers (NCOs), these Soldiers and former Soldiers juxtapose their tales against the camaraderie of guiding and serving alongside their younger Soldiers. As storytellers, they peel back layers to reveal their transformation from individuals to mentors and leaders, contemplating the sacrifices made and the enduring relationships forged in the crucible of service. I extend my gratitude to the 1st Infantry Division, renowned as the Big Red One, for the distinction of proclaiming 2023 as the Year of the NCO. Their acknowledgment of the NCO has been the catalyst for this endeavor. A particular note of appreciation is reserved for the seven NCOs who, with unwavering candor, traversed the terrain of personal introspection. It is not taken for granted. Audio files in order of appearance: 'Permafrost' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. 'Last And First Light' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. 'Victor Lux' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. #YearofTheNCO #br1ynco #fortriley #armymedicine

Aug. 31, 2023

The Llamarama Fun Run

FORT RILEY, Kan. — On the morning of Aug. 25, IACH civilians had the opportunity to lace up their sneakers and hit the pavement alongside the Soldiers and leadership of Irwin Army Community Hospital. This was a chance to not only witness but actively participate in the disciplined spirit that defines our medical community. The Llamarama Fun Run was a dynamic kickstart to IACH’s Organizational Day. It set the tone for what would become a day of memorable team-building activities, laughter, and collective rejuvenation. In the world of healthcare, opportunities like these are rare gems. It was more than just a jog; it was a chance to run with purpose and unite with colleagues. #IACHfunrun #MedicsOnTheMove #TraumaLlamas Music by Scott Buckley (@ScottBuckley) – released under CC-BY 4.0.

July 12, 2023

Compassionate Guardian for the Children of Heroes

FORT RILEY, Kan. — Many years ago when she was in the U.S. Air Force, Dr. Eva Ewers yearned to extend her healing touch to the civilian realm. The day finally arrived when she completed her service, transitioning into the vibrant world of civilian healthcare, brimming with possibilities. With great resolve, Dr. Ewers launched her civilian medical career, eager to make an indelible impact on the lives of young patients. But the intricacies of navigating the labyrinthine medical insurance landscape posed a formidable challenge, hindering her from wholeheartedly focusing on her true calling—providing compassionate care. Serendipity intervened as Dr. Ewers embarked on a new chapter, venturing into the heartland of Kansas. It was here that her purpose aligned with destiny, leading her back to military medicine as a civilian practitioner at Irwin Army Community Hospital. Within the walls of IACH, Dr. Ewers not only practices the art she adores but also embraces the responsibility of caring for the children of deployed Soldiers—those brave warriors who selflessly safeguard our cherished freedoms. #fortriley #armymedicine Music by Scott Buckley (@ScottBuckley) – released under CC-BY 4.0.

July 3, 2023

Worried about your teen's mental health? Limit their social media

FORT RILEY, Kan. — Wendy Hampton, a clinical social worker, understands how social media can be used to help isolated youth remain connected to distant friends, especially if they're military kids. But her experience with youth indicates that social media is overwhelmingly more harmful than good. She sees a close link between mental health problems and the overuse of social media in youth. How do kids outsmart their parents? What's a parent to do? How invasive should parents be with their teens? Should some platforms be off-limits? #fortriley #armymedicine Music by Scott Buckley (@ScottBuckley) – released under CC-BY 4.0.

June 27, 2023

Shake It Off! ... Here's How

FORT RILEY, Kan. — Consider this shaking practice as a personal experiment to see how you feel afterwards. Drs. Peter Levine and David Berceli have been long-time advocates who integrate shaking into therapeutic settings for people with anxiety symptoms or significant stress and trauma. Like dancing, can shift mood and help regulate emotions. The evidence base for this practice is still limited. But, experimenting with your level of comfort while shaking may provide another outlet for digesting complex emotions.

June 20, 2023

Yes, She is a Woman

FORT RILEY, Kan. — SPC Fury Marie Kimber will always be authentic to herself even if it confuses others. You have to stop assuming you can fit her into a category that helps you predict what she's like or how she identifies herself. The right thing to do is to ask, without presumption, like you would any other individual. #pride2023 #armypride Music by Scott Buckley (@ScottBuckley) – released under CC-BY 4.0.

June 14, 2023

Victory Run 2023

FORT RILEY, Kan. — Fort Riley's medical professionals joined in the celebration of the 1st Infantry Division's Victory Week 2023 with a time-honored Victory Run. Soldiers from Irwin Army Community Hospital, Soldier Recovery Unit, Dental Health Activity, and Veterinary Treatment Facility stood strong, ready and motivated along the most storied unit in the U.S. Army. Happy 106th birthday to The "Big Red One"! #fortriley #armymedicine Music by Scott Buckley (@ScottBuckley) – released under CC-BY 4.0.