'Perspective' highlights care for wounded warriors Published Nov. 18, 2008 Janie W. Santos SAN ANTONIO (AFNS) -- In his latest "Enlisted Perspective," the Air Force's top enlisted Airman joins other Air Force leaders by focusing his attention on taking care of Airmen and their families, especially those Airmen who have been wounded in the defense of the nation. "Our medical professionals are on the ground at forward bases in Iraq, Afghanistan and other hot spots around the globe," said Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley. "Once wounded warriors reach these treatment facilities, they have a 97 percent chance of surviving, the highest survival rate in the history of warfare." He said today's Airmen have a unique advantage over other wounded warriors in the past. The reach of Air Force aeromedical evacuation, and the ability to move patients within days or hours if necessary is phenomenal. Since 2001, the system has treated and transferred more than 54,720 patients from the battlefield to medical facilities outside the war zone. "Many of our great Airmen are suffering from traumatic brain injury, and even more suffer the effects of post traumatic stress," Chief McKinley said. "These warriors need our understanding and attention," he said. "They need appropriate guidance and support from their leadership, peers and medical professionals to obtain the best treatment possible."