VA-1 DMAT:  A BRIEF OPERATIONAL HISTORY

During the VA-1 DMAT 2004 inaugural year, the team deployed in support of the federal response to Hurricanes Frances, Ivan and Jeanne.

In 2005, the team deployed to the annual Langley AFB air show and as part of the federal response to Hurricanes Dennis, Emily, Katrina, Ophelia, Rita and Wilma over an 84 day period between July and November 2005.  Team members deployed to eight states and operated at more than two dozen locations. Over 4,000 individuals were seen (treated or immunized) by VA-1 DMAT providers during these missions.

In 2006, VA-1 deployed in support of the Presidential State of the Union Address, Mardi Gras, the Police Memorial Weekend in Washington DC, the Langley AFB air show and to Hurricane Ernesto. The team was placed on alert  for the New England floods.

In 2007, the team provided medical support for the President Ford funeral, the Presidential State of the Union Address, stood-by for New England winter storms, conducted a field training exercise and provided clinical support to the Langley AFB air show, and provided medical support for the annual Peace Officers' Memorial in Washington DC and the Washington DC July 4 celebration. The team was on "standby" for deployment or on deployment for 151 days during the year.

2008 is another active year for VA-1. We began by providing medical support for the State of the Union Address in January, and were selected to be a concept team for a new Medical Operations Detachment structure. May through August marked MOD concept training, a field exercise, and deployment to the July 4th celebration on the Washington Mall and the Democratic National Convention in Denver. In September we deployed to assist with the response to Hurricane Ike.