For CA Soldiers, phlebotomy and fitness are just part of the job

          Story by Staff Sgt. Gregory Sanders, 85th Civil Affairs Brigade Public Affairs

           Killeen, Texas – In a classroom that resembles a hospital phlebotomy lab, Soldiers assigned to 85^th Civil Affairs Brigade and 81^st Civil Affairs Battalion willingly roll up their sleeves and offer their arms for KISD Career Center students as they practice techniques in taking blood from real human beings Dec. 13.

            Even though the school offers mannequin-type arms to begin the training process, students need to have the experience of drawing blood from live patients in order to improve on clinical skills, which also include patient interaction and communication.

            “Students need that interaction from actual volunteers,” said Christie Eggbert, a health science instructor with the career center.  “Live patients allow the kids to improve their soft skills by talking to and getting feedback from patients.”

            Who better to do it than a group of willing Soldiers, some even qualified as medics themselves.

            “The Soldiers enjoy interacting with the students—and the students appreciate them,” said Eggbert.

            Interacting with the students participating in the health science career module is just one way the Fort Hood Soldiers participate with the adopted school.  Understanding that Soldiers are required to stay fit for the fight, KISD Career Center staff asked for assistance in the development of a physical training program.

            Allison Schannap Belliveau, the Career Center coordinator, first began talking to unit representatives last year, expressing an interest in developing a program that would focus on general health and fitness of the staff.

            “Our overall focus was the health and wellness as a staff,” Belliveau said. “When you work out [your body], you are mentally in better shape, too.  Being prepared mentally makes us better teachers, so it helps the students as well.”

            Originally planned for six weeks, staff members have requested an extension.  With the New Year just around the corner, there is an expectation that more of the 29-person staff will be willing to get involved to meet some of those elusive New Year resolutions.

            “Usually our group varies between four and 10 people,” said Belliveau. “We are hoping that after the New Year, we will see more of the staff at our workouts.”

            One of the additional side effects these PT sessions have had is an improvement of the overall well being and attitudes of those that work out.

            “The workouts help to build relationships.  We encourage one another to push farther,” Belliveau said.  “I also think it builds teamwork.”

            Eggbert agrees on the importance of the program and hopes to see it grow.

        “I wish we could make it mandatory,” Eggbert said. “When I workout I am more attentive and patient with the students.  I also feel good after the workout when we leave in the afternoon.” 

Alexandra Schuhlez, a senior and a phlebotomy student with the Killeen I.S.D Career Center, finishes drawing blood from 1^st Sgt John Hagemann, assigned to the HHC 85^th Civil Affairs Brigade Dec. 12.  The students are studying to learn the practices in laboratory and health science that they can take with them into a nursing field or future medical field.  Alexandra says she is preparing to become a future registered Nurse after graduating this spring.  The 85^th Civil Affairs Brigade is the partnered unit with the career center and routinely volunteers their time to assisting with faculty in various topics from health science to video/photography.  (Photo by Maj, Brian Woods, 85^th CA Bde PAO)

Cpl.  Elizabeth Manfredini, demonstrates an alternate push up exercise to Patricia Williamson, an administrator at the Killeen I.S.D Career Center Dec. 13.  Staff members requested assistance from the 85^th CA Bde Soldiers to help design an exercise regime meant to improve the overall wellness of the participants.  (Photo by Army Staff Sgt. Gregory Sanders, 85^th CA Bde Public Affairs)

Maria Hernandez, a senior and a phlebotomy student with the Killeen I.S.D Career Center, practices drawing blood from Cpl. Elizabeth Manfredini, a Soldier from the HHC 85^th Civil Affairs Brigade, as a requirement for the course Dec. 12.  Students from KISD Career Center are studying to learn the practices in laboratory and health science that they can take with them into a nursing field or future medical field.  Maria says she has goals to attend Saint Edwards University in Austin, Texas and earn her degree in Hematology.  The 85^th Civil Affairs Brigade is the partnered unit with the career center and routinely volunteers their time to assisting with faculty in various topics from health science to video/photography.  (Photo by Maj. Bryan Woods, 85^th CA Bde PAO)