A New Hampshire Airman's journey through military medicine

For Tech. Sgt. Casey Wachowiak, effective medical care begins with trust.

In 2021, as the U.S. withdrew from Afghanistan, Wachowiak was assigned to support medical operations for Afghan evacuees at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey. Working night shifts at the clinic, the then-senior airman quickly learned that caring for patients who had experienced conflict and displacement required more than medical expertise.

The mission presented unfamiliar challenges, exposing Wachowiak to injuries and medical conditions she had rarely encountered during her training.

“I got to use my medical skills in a broad range,” Wachowiak said. “The injuries that you saw there were similar to what you would see in a combat environment.”

While treating physical injuries, Wachowiak faced the challenge of building trust with patients navigating unfamiliar surroundings, language barriers and separation from their families.

One young patient left a lasting impression.

During her night shifts at the medical clinic, Wachowiak began noticing a boy, approximately 4 years old, who frequently visited her workspace. As Wachowiak discovered, he had witnessed people in military uniforms firing weapons during his evacuation, leaving him frightened of the uniformed personnel around him.

Recognizing his fear, she removed her uniform blouse to make herself appear less intimidating.

Their interactions began with games of peekaboo and gradually developed into drawing pictures and practicing colors together. Although they did not speak the same language, Wachowiak found ways to communicate and build his trust.

"He'll always be part of my life because I always remember him and the impact that that made on me," said Wachowiak. “I still have his drawings that we colored together.”

The experience became one of several assignments that shaped Wachowiak's understanding of military medicine and the importance of connecting with the people she serves.

Wachowiak, a member of the New Hampshire Air National Guard, joined the COVID-19 response mission shortly after completing her technical training. As her first operational assignment, the 18-month experience introduced her to the demands of military medicine.

"When the world shut down for COVID, my life did not stop," Wachowiak said.

The assignment marked the beginning of a military career that would take her across the United States and overseas, exposing her to different medical environments and eventually leading her into a role mentoring other Airmen.

She continued to seek opportunities to expand her skills. In the following months, Wachowiak deployed to New Jersey to bring medical support for Operation Allies Refuge. She then completed a nine-month assignment in Stuttgart, Germany, where she served as a global health engagement noncommissioned officer in charge and earned an International Health Specialist special experience identifier.

Wachowiak's assignments also brought her to Denmark for the Military Reserve Exchange Program Advanced Instructor Course and to Senegal and Cabo Verde through the Vermont and New Hampshire National Guard State Partnership Programs.

Through these experiences, Wachowiak worked alongside military and civilian medical professionals, exchanged knowledge and developed skills she could bring back to her home unit.

Master Sgt. Meghan O'Regan, Wachowiak's supervisor, said her willingness to pursue new opportunities has strengthened the NHANG.

"She takes what she has learned with each experience and applies it here at home station," O'Regan said. "Whether that's sharing knowledge of best practices, providing professional development or mentorship to junior enlisted, or offering insight to improve internal processes."

In May 2024, Wachowiak earned a master's degree in leadership, further developing the skills she would later apply as a supervisor.

Within the past year, she transitioned into a formal supervisory role, taking responsibility for guiding junior Airmen while continuing to support the wing's medical readiness.

"I like the mentoring aspect,” Wachowiak said. “I like teaching. I like learning. I think every day I learn something new and I think that's the biggest part of why I love what I do."

Airman 1st Class Samuel St. Onge, one of the Airmen she supervises, said Wachowiak encourages junior members to develop independence while providing guidance when needed.

"She's been very good at allowing me to do things on my own but also stepping in when I need to get some direction," St. Onge said. "She's very kind and able to correct you without making you feel like you're doing something wrong."

Her contributions to the wing's medical readiness and commitment to developing other Airmen recently earned her recognition as the 157th ARW 3rd Quarter NCO of 2026.

According to O'Regan, Wachowiak administered more than 100 vaccines, audited more than 150 deployment records without discrepancies and volunteered for a short-notice, six-month contingency deployment.

She also instructed a Tier 2 Tactical Combat Casualty Care course during the 2026 Medical Readiness University, where her efforts earned her the Diamond Sharp Award.

"The squadron nominated Tech. Sgt. Wachowiak as NCO of the quarter because she was a driving force behind our Wing's medical readiness and deployment capability," O'Regan said. “She represents the absolute best of our medic force, and our overall enlisted force.”

Wachowiak attributes her success to the collective efforts of her team.

"I couldn't do what I do if I didn't have my team behind me," said Wachowiak. “They have taught me a lot and we all just get better together.”

From her first assignment in New Hampshire to teaching and mentoring the next generation of military medical professionals around the world, Wachowiak continues to build on the experiences that first drew her to military service.

Looking ahead, Wachowiak hopes to pursue paramedic training and eventually become a registered nurse while continuing to seek opportunities to serve through military medical operations and international partnerships. "I can't find myself doing anything other than what I do now," Wachowiak said. "I think the things that we do here really do have an impact."

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