Pikeville, Tennessee.(June 4, 2023): They have sure hands, big hearts, and a dedication to serving others. In the above photo by Technical Sergeant Kristen Pittman, Airman 1st Class Peyten Aldrich with the 81st Medical Group checks the pressure of a patient's eye during a Healthy Tennesseans event at Bledsoe County High School. Airman Peyten is an ophthalmology technician taking part in the Department of Defense Innovative Readiness Training.

This remarkable program teams military training with community development activities to benefit at need communities around the nation. The program provides an array of services, from civil engineering to cybersecurity, to needy communities around the nation. These Air Force medical professionals share their skills to improve the lives of communities in need in their area.

The medical mission delivers no-cost healthcare services including optometry, health exams, dental, and public health education. Care is delivered by credentialed healthcare providers, and no one is turned away. These missions are held at public locations, like local high schools, and last for several days. This unique program gives service members a chance to sharpen their professional skills while helping others simultaneously. This partnership provides lasting benefits for American communities.