375th MDG medic receives Purple Heart

Lt. Col. Steven Fisher, a medic with the 375th Medical Group, received the Purple Heart Aug. 12 during a ceremony at the Medical Clinic. Fisher was deployed as the Chief Nurse during Operation Enduring Freedom to Camp Holland, Afghanistan, when in the early morning hours of Oct. 17, 2011, the base came under enemy fire.

A rocket struck within 30 feet of him sending shockwaves through his body and knocking him to the ground. He sustained injuries to his back and face, including embedded shrapnel in his mouth. Though he was in excruciating pain, he assessed his injuries and proceeded to the Medical Group area of operations where he was advised to accept aerovac transportation to a larger base in Kandahar for further assessment and treatment.

Despite the advice, Fisher made the selfless decision to remain in place in order to fulfill his duties as the Officer in Charge of the Trauma Bay and ICU Ward, placing the care of others above concerns for himself. After treating his own wounds, he continued to execute his duties, ensuring there would be no significant hardship to his team through the completion of his deployment.

It was not until his return from deployment that he sought treatment for injuries endured. Since that time, he has suffered chronic back pain and received 20 dental procedures to correct shrapnel damage to his teeth and mouth. His commitment to the Air Force has been evident in his continued service to the 375th MDG.

This story was originally published August 18, 2016 at 12:45 PM with the headline "375th MDG medic receives Purple Heart."