TUPELO, Miss. -- North Mississippi Medical Center welcomed around 20 military medical personnel who are part of the Department of Defense’s COVID-19 response operation on August 25. The team includes physicians, nurses and respiratory therapists.

“We recognize that you left your families to come and care for our families,” said Dr. Jeremy Blanchard, North Mississippi Health Services chief medical officer. “We want you to know that you are appreciated, valued and respected. Thank you for your courage, your competency and your commitment. Thank you for joining us in this battle.”

This marks the first time Department of Defense medical assets have deployed to support Mississippi during the pandemic.

“Defending the nation, which includes defeating COVID-19, is a team effort,” said Lt. Gen. Laura J. Richardson, ARNORTH commander. “U.S. Army North is proud to contribute alongside and in support of civil authorities in the whole-of-government fight against COVID-19. Our command also remains prepared for potential, future all-hazards response and homeland defense.”

 

In this photo provided by the U.S. Army, Mississippi Air National Guard Brig. Gen. Barry Blanchard, the Mississippi dual status commander for the COVID Hospital support mission, left, and Mississippi Air National Guard Col. Brian Tollerfson, right, tour a COVID patient critical care unit during the COVID-19 response operations at the North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo, Mississippi, on Sept. 2, 2021. U.S. Northern Command, through U.S. Army North, remains committed to providing flexible U.S Department of Defense support to the whole-of-government COVID-19 response.  Spc. James Alesria I U.S. Army