Defense Health Network Central

05/15/2026

Central Pulse: This Week in Network Central
Here’s what’s been happening across our MTFs this week:

AFMS - MacDill - 6th Medical Group
MacDill’s 6th Medical Group honors their nurses and medical technicians, who lead with purpose, care with compassion, and stand resilient in the face of every challenge.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18pqe5bZe2/

47th Medical Group, Laughlin AFB
TSgt Gabrielle Konopczyk was recognized as Laughlin’s XLer of the Week for saving the Air Force $63K annually through a DHA budget initiative and leading efforts for the Fiesta of Flight STEM Expo, inspiring more than 1,200 local students to explore science careers.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18VPu9DFKC/

Laughlin’s leadership team visited the Laughlin Medical Group to get an inside look at how Laughlin’s medical logistics and pharmacy teams keep operations running smoothly behind the scenes.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ChQ5tcUig/

Brooke Army Medical Center
Brooke Army Medical Center celebrates its nurses with a stylized video.
https://www.dvidshub.net/video/1005223/bamcs-nurses-week-power-nursing

AFMS - Yokota - 374th Medical Group
The 374th Dental Squadron hosted Col. Richard McElhaney, 374th Airlift Wing and installation commander, for a workplace visit, where he received a firsthand look at the squadron’s mission, capabilities, and daily operations.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CVdjP1qha/

David Grant Medical Center
1Lt Wendy Dawkins was recognized through DHA’s Ready Reliable Care “Reliability in Action” program for demonstrating exceptional “Sensitivity to Operations” during a prolonged network downtime event while providing ICU-level care to a critically ill patient.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18tVxytvcu/

Team Travis recognizes the vital role nurses play in caring for Airmen, families and the broader military community every day. Through compassion, resilience and unwavering dedication, nurses help sustain the health, readiness and strength behind the mission.
Thank you to all nurses for your continued service and commitment to caring for others.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14dTAwLVJSt/

Scott AFB Clinic
It's National Nurses Week, and Scott AFB recognizes the nurses who keep the mission moving.
Nurses play a vital role in keeping Airmen and their families healthy, ready, and cared for.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Fhb4f2yGZ/

Defense Health Agency
Military Health
U.S. Air Force Medical Service - AFMS

05/12/2026

05/11/2026

Congratulations to TSgt Gabrielle Konopczyk from the Laughlin Healthcare Operations Squadron!
Her innovative leadership and dedication – demonstrated by saving the Air Force $63K annually through a DHA budget initiative, supporting thousands of patient beneficiaries in lab operations, and inspiring over 1,200 local students at the Fiesta of Flight STEM Expo – exemplify the mission of Defense Health Network Central.
Thank you, TSgt Konopczyk, for your commitment to excellence and for making a lasting impact on both patient care and the future of our community!

47th Medical Group, Laughlin AFB
Defense Health Agency
Military Health
U.S. Air Force Medical Service - AFMS

✨Congratulations to our XLer of the Week: TSgt Gabrielle Konopczyk! ✨

Through saving the Air Force $63K annually through a DHA budget initiative, supporting thousands of patient beneficiaries through lab operations, and leading efforts for the Fiesta of Flight STEM Expo, inspiring more than 1,200 local students to explore science careers, TSgt Konopczyk continues to improve patient care and inspire the next generation!

Keep up the great work TSgt Konopczyk! Proud to have you as part of Team XL 💪

05/11/2026

Mission readiness starts with you. For women in the military, prioritizing your health through an annual well-woman exam is a critical part of maintaining peak performance. When our women warfighters are healthy, our entire force is stronger. Schedule your appointment today to ensure you and your unit are always mission ready.

Check the comments below for TRICARE resources.

05/11/2026

Congratulations to Lt Wendy Dawkins of David Grant Medical Center!
Her recent recognition through the Defense Health Agency’s Ready Reliable Care “Reliability in Action” program is a testament to her outstanding dedication and professionalism. Lt Dawkins’ exemplary performance during a critical network downtime event – marked by her calm leadership, clinical expertise, and unwavering commitment to patient care – truly embodies DHN Central’s mission to deliver top-notch care to our beneficiaries.
Thank you, Lt Dawkins, for your commitment to excellence and for setting the standard for Ready Reliable Care across our network!

Defense Health Agency
Military Health
Travis Air Force Base
U.S. Air Force Medical Service - AFMS

Recognizing Excellence in Ready Reliable Care

Please join us in congratulating Lt Wendy Dawkins for recently being recognized through the Defense Health Agency Ready Reliable Care “Reliability in Action” program.

Lt Dawkins was recognized for demonstrating exceptional “Sensitivity to Operations” during a prolonged network downtime event while providing ICU-level care to a critically ill patient. Her calm leadership, clinical vigilance, and unwavering focus on patient care reflected the high standards upheld by the 60th Medical Group.

Despite challenging conditions and limited electronic systems, Lt Dawkins maintained effective interdisciplinary communication, coordinated critical interventions, and ensured continuity of care for both the patient and family throughout the event.

The award was presented by Col. Matthew Streitz, 60th Medical Group Deputy Commander.

Lt Dawkins’ professionalism, resilience, and commitment to Ready Reliable Care continue to strengthen the mission of the 60th Medical Group and support exceptional care for our patients and beneficiaries.



Defense Health Agency I Defense Health Network Central

05/11/2026

05/11/2026

The history of military medicine is built on the foundation of nursing.

Today’s nurses carry forward a legacy of courage and compassion, providing a continuum of care that supports service members, veterans, and their families.

We celebrate the professionals who dedicate their lives to this noble calling.

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Pictured: U.S. Navy Lt. Rebekah Thomas, right, (R) critical care nurse assigned to Marine Rotational Force-Southeast Asia, I Marine Expeditionary Force

05/11/2026

Defense Health Agency researchers are helping service members overcome severe musculoskeletal injuries with stronger outcomes than ever before. By combining advanced technology like the Intrepid Dynamic Exoskeleton Orthosis device with an intensive Return to Run program, warfighters are regaining mobility, endurance, and confidence.

The impact is clear: more service members are returning to duty, maintaining limb health, and rebuilding the physical capability needed to meet mission demands.

💬 What role do you think innovation plays in maintaining a ready and resilient force? Join the conversation in the comments. ⬇️

05/11/2026

👏 Congratulations to 15 of our military treatment facilities for earning Leapfrog’s “A” Hospital Safety Grade for Spring 2026!

This honor recognizes outstanding patient safety, infection prevention, and clinical excellence, all critical to maintaining a medically ready force and a ready medical force.

🏥 Recognized facilities:
• Alexander T. Augusta Military Medical Center
• Blanchfield Army Community Hospital
• Brooke Army Medical Center
• Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center
• Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center
• Keesler Medical Center
• Madigan Army Medical Center
• Mike O’Callaghan Military Medical Center
• Naval Hospital Jacksonville
• Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune
• Naval Medical Center Portsmouth
• U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa
• Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
• William Beaumont Army Medical Center
• Womack Army Medical Center

⭐ Special congratulations to Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center, William Beaumont Army Medical Center, and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for earning five consecutive “A” grades!

Drop a 🐸 in the comments and help us celebrate these amazing teams that are ensuring our warfighters receive world-class support when it matters most.

05/11/2026

Military spouses keep the home front strong.

They navigate deployments, frequent moves, and long separations while keeping families resilient and supported. Their strength allows service members to stay focused on the mission.

Military spouses are not just part of the military community—they are essential to our nation’s readiness and lethality.

This , we honor the strength behind the uniform.