On Oct. 17, 2024, U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Michael Osten, 21st Medical Group Operational Support Team flight chief, was selected for commissioning as a Public Affairs Officer through the Senior Leader Enlisted Commissioning Program.

Members from the 21st Medical Group and the 21st Security Forces Squadron recently partnered with the 302nd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron to conduct Medic-X training, where they practiced patient on-loading and off-loading from aircraft. 

On this edition of Down to Earth, we’re checking in with Space Base Delta 1 to meet U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Koye Tsosie, 21st Medical Group health administrator, at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado. 

Members of Peterson’s 21st Dental Squadron helped hundreds of people smile brighter during last month’s Mission of Mercy clinic that ran from September 22-23, in Greeley, Colorado. The Colorado Mission of Mercy is a large-scale, two-day event that is held annually in a different Colorado community each year. The non-profit organization has treated 18,000 patients and given out $16,000,000 in free dental care since its inception in 2007.

Respiratory syncytial virus is a common but potentially dangerous respiratory illness. Immunizations are available to protect TRICARE beneficiaries who are considered high risk from RSV infection. These immunizations help protect older adults and newborns, who face higher risks from respiratory illness.

Changes are coming to TRICARE’s regional contracts Jan. 1, 2025. These changes will affect you if you live in the U.S. The key to a smooth transition is to take a few simple steps now, before the end of the year.

Do you get your prescriptions at a military pharmacy in the U.S.? You should know that the Defense Health Agency is upgrading to a new prescription refill system at military pharmacies. The new Interactive Voice Response system will help standardize refill notices.

If you get care outside of a military hospital or clinic, it’s important to understand your civilian provider options. TRICARE’s new regional contracts, which begin Jan. 1, 2025, will affect the TRICARE provider networks in the U.S. You’re now able to check the network provider directories for both the East Region and West Region.