Commando doc wins AF award

  • Published
  • By Staff. Sgt Mareshah Haynes
  • 1st SOW Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  A flight surgeon with the 1st Special Operations Support Squadron won an Air Force-level award. 

Capt. Ryan Freeland was awarded the Air Force Flight Surgeon of the Year for 2006 during a ceremony in New Orleans, La. 

"Captain Freeland's contributions have been exemplary, reflecting the highest standards of officership, Airmanship and medical professionalism," said Lt. Col. Eveline Yao, previous commander of the 1st Special Operations Medical Operations Flight and Capt. Freeland's commander during the nomination period. 

Captain Freeland, a native of Portage, Mich., attended Wheaton College and then Loyola University for medical school before being assigned to Hurlburt Field in September 2005. 

He first became interested in medicine in high school after taking an anatomy and physiology class. Then, the captain's love of medicine and country and interest in flying led him to join the Air Force. 

"I have a desire to serve," Captain Freeland said. "I researched all the branches and the Air Force seemed to take the best care of its people. The longer I stay in, the more satisfied I am with my decision." 

And serve he has. Captain Freeland has flown 21 combat missions and 72 combat hours while serving as the operational flight surgeon for the Combined Joint Special Operations Air Component. He racked up 170 deployed days of supporting Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. He flew 16 direct action missions with U.S. and coalition special forces, providing a medical "safety net" for 800 Special Operations Forces warriors. 

The U.S. Navy also recognized the exceptional efforts of Captain Freeland by awarding him the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and the highly coveted Navy Order of the Shellback Award. 

Captain Freeland attributes his success to the powerhouse team he works with. 

"There are a lot of great people, flag officers, senior noncommissioned officers, noncommissioned officers and Airmen who are highly skilled," Captain Freeland said. "I try to soak up information from them; I try to be a sponge."