National Guard Bureau helps upgrade medical group equipment Published Sept. 14, 2016 By Senior Airman Brigette Waltermire 137th Air Refueling Wing public affairs WILL ROGERS AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Okla. -- The 137th Medical Group received new equipment as part of a modernization effort and finished installation of the items, Aug. 12, in their facilities. The National Guard Bureau contributed nearly $250,000 worth of medical equipment and technical items through the Air National Guard Medical Service medical equipment modernization program. The unit received a variety of new equipment, including new laboratory refrigerators, optometry and audiology equipment, and fit-test machines for gas masks. New furniture for dental, phlebotomy and patient examination offices along with scales and other medical items. "With this new equipment," said Senior Master Sgt. Doug Mason, of the 137th MDG. "We're going to have increased capability of doing physical examinations to meet the additional requirements for members of the new intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance mission." The central purchase by the bureau also helped the medical group with cataloguing. Previous equipment was logged in separate databases for acquisition, repairs and maintenance. Now, the Defense Medical Logistics Supply System will be the central location of all accountability and maintenance records. For long-time guardsmen like Mason, the addition of equipment was a welcomed event. "I have never seen such a large, one-time funding purchase," said Mason. "It's pretty spectacular to see that much new equipment come into our facility." The medical group comprises 11 fulltime members, five of whom are medical staff who manage nearly 100 people through the clinic each week. The group increases to approximately 60 during drill weekend, supporting nearly 1,100 Airmen across the base. The improved medical equipment will help streamline members' needs as they come in for processing, and ensure world-wide deployment ability for all members of the wing.