Action Line: Patient gives thanks to Elmendorf hospital

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ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  There are so many things to complain about and it seems like the Action Line is full of them, however, I am happy to be writing so that others may be aware of a facility on the base that is very awesome. 

My story is about the group of people that work and serve at the Elmendorf AFB hospital.
I was a proud member of the 90FS from 1991 to 1999 maintaining avionics on the F-15E Strike Eagle. I retired from the Air Force in 2001 and am now 53 years young. 

Just before Christmas I came down with what I thought was stomach flu. What I did not know was that I had a small rupture in my colon. 

After going through a miserable Christmas week here in Palmer, my wife drove me from our home to the Elmendorf Emergency Room. From the moment I stepped into the hospital, I experienced nothing less than superior care. I was diagnosed quickly, went through emergency surgery, spent two days in the Intensive Care Unit, and finally seven days in the Multipurpose Services Unit. There are so many people that I could name and some that were just exceptional. That said, all of the staff (civilian as well as military) in the Emergency Room, Operating Room, ICU, MSU, and also all the doctors and nurses that cared for me deserve the highest recognition that can be given. 

Words cannot describe the level of professionalism, care, and kindness that they demonstrated to this retiree. 

I am home recovering now, but my heart and my conscience have driven me to tell this story so that anyone who needs the hospital may know they are in the very best hands.
Thank you all so very much from my wife, children and myself. I salute all of the men and women who tirelessly serve at the Elmendorf hospital. Thank you all so very much.