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The busiest aeromedical squadron in Europe is also the home to one of the best Air Force medical corps Airmen.
Lt. Col. Marilyn Thomas, 86th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron clinical nurse specialist, won the 2014 Air Force Medical Service Clinical Nurse Specialist Award, which is given to Airmen who made significant contributions to their units or the Air Force as a whole.
“I am very thankful and humbled to receive this award,” Thomas said. “I had a little bit of disbelief when I found out. It feels really good to be recognized for all the hard work, because it’s a lot of hard work, hours and commitment. It’s nice to be recognized for that.”
Thomas spent part of 2014 deployed leading a 64-member team at the busiest aeromedical evacuation unit in Southwest Asia. During her time deployed, the team evacuated more than 1,500 patients in 112 missions.
Afterward, she became a go-to leader for the 86th AES by training deployers, writing two clinical practice guidelines and ensuring proficiency of the squadron as an examiner. She also carried out her regular job as a flight nurse, leading 13 flyers and completing 11 trans-Atlantic missions.
“When I think of Lt. Col. Thomas, I think of a mentor and a great leader,” said Capt. Ashley Stansbery, 86th AES flight nurse. “She is my go-to person in the squadron. She is amazing. It’s definitely a great asset to our squadron for her to be able to share her knowledge and have a great open door policy.”
Thomas took the skills she has gained and created quick drills for technicians to recognize and assess pain to ensure patients’ safety and comfort. Sharing her knowledge is one way she hopes to give back to those who have supported her, she said.
“I am thankful for my family, ROTC instructors, different commanders, co-workers, mentors and probably way too many people to try to name,” Thomas said. “The great thing about the Air Force is all the different people you meet and all the different paths that cross that probably never would have been connected.”
Whether she is treating a patient mid-air or writing guidelines on how to ensure those patients get to see their families, Thomas hopes to continue making a difference and impact other people’s lives, she said.
