CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Airmen of the 315th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron on Charleston AFB had the opportunity to play themselves Monday for an upcoming episode of the Lifetime Television drama "Army Wives."
The scene simulated a medical evacuation mission from Iraq to Germany in the belly of a C-17 Globemaster III. "Army Wives" used the Reservists as technical advisors for the scene and also allowed them the opportunity to show off their skills for the camera.
"From the prospective of the creative staff of "Army Wives," we want to be as authentic as possible," said Marshall Persinger, co-executive producer for the show.
The story line was proposed by Charleston Airmen during an initial scouting visit to the base.
"After scouting the base, I wrote a memo and combined it with photos and gave it to the writers and reminded them of the unbelievable opportunities we have available to us now that we are working with the Department of Defense," said Ms. Persinger. "I look forward to many more future stories taking place here on the base."
The mission was actually more than just a scene on a television show. The aeromedical evacuation crew was part of a training class teaching newer medical technicians and flight nurses how to provide patient care in flight.
"It was an opportunity for my students to understand the flexibility of these missions," said Capt. Jerry Earl, 315 AES flight nurse and medical crew director. "The patients came onboard and the students had to adjust the type of care provided around the simulated injuries ... it was actually very good training for them."
"The show shines the light on us a little bit and actually shows people what we do and was a more accurate depiction than if they would have done it themselves," said Master Sgt. Chris Owens, member of the 315 AES who was one of the medical technicians on the crew. "We were glad to help out."
Captain Earl also enjoyed the chance to highlight his mission on national TV.
"We had the opportunity to show our family and friends what we do; you can't put a price on that," he said. "We also had the opportunity to show the loved ones of people in Iraq that they are being taken care of by some fine people."
The episode will air June 29 at 10 p.m. on Lifetime Television.