LOS ANGELES — Soldiers with 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, return to the Arrival Departure Airfield Control Group (ADACG) in Colorado Springs Tuesday after supporting vaccine distribution operations at California State University, Los Angeles, from Feb. 16 to April 11, 2021. Fort Carson, and the Army as a whole, have taken drastic steps and measures to help aid in administering the COVID-19 vaccine. U.S. Northern Command, through U.S. Army North, remains committed to providing continued, flexible DOD support to the Federal Emergency Management Agency as part of the whole-of-government response to COVID-19. (Photo by Sgt. Ashton Empty)
By Pfc. Vincent Levelev
49th Public Affairs Detachment, Fort Bragg, North Carolina
LOS ANGELES — Pfc. Gravin Carter, combat medic with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, vaccinates a motorist April 6, 2021, at the California State University, Los Angeles, Community Vaccination Center. The site emplaced a banner to message the achievement of vaccinating more than 300,000 people. U.S. Northern Command, through U.S. Army North, remains committed to providing continued, flexible DOD support to the Federal Emergency Management Agency as part of the whole-of-government response to COVID-19. (Photo by Capt. Daniel Parker)
LOS ANGELES — The 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, deployed approximately 220 Soldiers to Los Angeles to assist the state of California and the Federal Emergency Management Agency in administering COVID-19 vaccinations to members of the Los Angeles community from Feb. 16, 2021, to April 11, 2021, at the California State University, Los Angeles, Community Vaccination Center.
The site was the first vaccination location to receive support from active-duty service members.
“I was excited,” said Spc. Noah Robertson, combat medic with Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 2nd Battalion, 12th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st SBCT. “I’ve never been to Los Angeles. I’ve never (had the chance) to do my job on such a large scale.”
Upon arrival to the site, Soldiers were tasked with finding the most efficient way of vaccinating people daily. Within 72 hours of being at the site, a standing operating procedure was put in place to effectively and safely move people throughout the site.
“We were the best choice for many reasons, but I’d say that because we’re ready to deploy and go at a moment’s notice is why we were chosen for this mission,” said Spc. Daniel Nunez, combat medic with 2nd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st SBCT.
Every day from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. 1st SBCT was equipped to vaccinate approximately 6,000 people. At the time of their departure, Soldiers vaccinated over 300,000 people.
LOS ANGELES — Second Lt. Taylor Nehlig, left, medical surgical nurse from Brooke Army Medical Center, answers questions of medics and support personnel at the California State University, Los Angeles, Community Vaccination Center March 2, 2021. (Photo by Capt. Daniel Parker)
“We’re highly educated, and we’re flexible,” said Robertson. “We can do whatever it is we need to do at any given time. Things change all the time, and we’re always ready.”
Los Angeles community members had the option of having their appointment booked online or by phone. They could either be vaccinated in their own vehicles or at the walk-up site where vaccines were administered in a socially distanced parking garage.
“I’ve been able to talk to a lot of the patients who have come through,” said 1st Lt. Jackson Goddard, medical surgical nurse with U.S. Army Medical Command. “They’re super appreciative that we’re here. It’s cool knowing you’re on a mission doing something good for the community.”
U.S. Northern Command, through U.S. Army North, remains committed to providing continued, flexible Department of Defense support to the Federal Emergency Management Agency as part of the whole-of-government response to COVID-19.
“What the military brings to this equation is discipline, organizational skills and effectiveness,” said U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III.
One local Los Angeles native said being able to give back was a humbling experience.
LOS ANGELES — Pfc. Abidan Rosario, combat medic with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, walks to a line of motorists at the California State University, Los Angeles, Community Vaccination Center, April 2. (Photo by Capt. Daniel Parker)
“This is the community that helped me become the person I am,” said Staff Sgt. Kirsten Pavao, combat medic with Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 2nd Bn., 12th FA Reg., 1st SBCT.
The 1st SBCT completed their mission April 13, 2021, and returned to Fort Carson.
LOS ANGELES — Soldiers with 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, return to the Arrival Departure Airfield Control Group (ADACG) in Colorado Springs April 13 to Colorado after supporting vaccine distribution operations at California State University, Los Angeles, from Feb. 16 to April 11. U.S. Northern Command, through U.S. Army North, remains committed to providing continued, flexible DOD support to the Federal Emergency Management Agency as part of the whole-of-government response to COVID-19. (Photo by Sgt. Ashton Empty)