Global War on Terrorism: 24th Medical Company

In February, 1997, the 24th Medical Company (Air Ambulance) deployed to Bosnia, with a short stopover at Ft. Benning, Georgia. Their four helicopters were “shrink-wrapped” for the long journey. As part of Operation Joint Endeavor, their mission was to provide air medical evacuation support and emergency movement of medical supplies, including whole blood and blood products.

On March 9, the soldiers arrived in Tuzla, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and commenced their mission. At first missions were scarce, but when the air space was cleared their missions increased. After a seven-month deployment, the unit returned to Forbes Field, Topeka.

Detachment 1, 24th Medical Company deployed to Kosovo on March 16, 2003, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, to provide medical support for the 38th Infantry Division deployed there. The unit returned on Feb. 24, 2004. During their period of duty, they flew over 1,700 accident-free miles, and were involved in treating over 4,000 military and civilian patients.

On Oct.12, 2003 a second rotation of soldiers from Detachment 1, 24th Medical Company were mobilized for Operation Enduring Freedom in Kosovo. This time a contingent of 20 soldiers was required. They returned in 2004.

Eleven soldiers of Detachment 1, 24th Medical Company (Air Ambulance) deployed to Kosovo on July 10, 2005 through Fort Hood, Texas. In Kosovo, the soldiers were part of NATO peacekeeping efforts and assisted in providing medical support for the 40th Division from California, serving in Kosovo as part of the Multinational Brigade-East. They also provided support for the 1st Battalion, 635th Armor, also serving in Kosovo during 2005. They returned from their year-long deployment to Kosovo on Jan. 20, 2006.