Army Wives

Master Sgt. Bart Walters, a reservist assigned to the 315th AES, (right) provides care for actor Drew Fuller while actress Catherin Dyer (left) looks on. Scenes from the Lifetime drama, Army Wives, were filmed on the Charleston Air Force Base, S.C., flightline May 5, 2008. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nicholas Pilch)

“Army Wives” features Charleston Aeromedical Evacuation crew

Published May 5, 2008
By Capt. Wayne Capps
315th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

CHARLESTON AFB, S.C. -- Lights, camera, action!

Members of the 315th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron at Charleston AFB, S.C., had the rare opportunity to play themselves on an upcoming episode of the hit 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 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 them themselves. We were glad to help out," said Master Sgt. Chris Owens who was one of the medical technicians on the crew.

Capt. Jerry Earl, a flight nurse and medical crew director also enjoyed the chance to highlight his mission on national television. "We had the opportunity to show our family and friends what we do; you can't put a price on that! 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 story line was actually proposed by Charleston AFB 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 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. The patients came onboard and the students had to adjust the type care provided around the simulated injuries," said Capt. Earl. "It was actually very good training for them."

The episode will air on Lifetime Television on June 29, 2008 at 10:00 p.m.