Operation Homecoming made easier for returning Airmen Published March 30, 2007 By Jamie Haig 1st SOW Public Affairs HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- Airmen returning from deployments will find the restructured in-processing procedures easier than in the past, but the system still needs their help. The 1st Special Operations Medical Group sent a team to Southeast Asia that spent five days streamlining the system on the deployed end. "It was more of a fact finding and a problem-solving trip, which helped facilitate the entire medical processing from the area of responsibility," said Lt. Col. Peter Kovats, 1st SOMDG chief of aeromedical services. While out processing for a deployment, Airmen can pick up the required post-deployment medications. "Airmen can pick up post-deployment medications before they deploy and lock them up at home for their return," said Col. David Rhodes, 1st SOMDG commander. "This will keep them from having to stop at the medical group upon returning." Another time saver for Airmen is processing necessary paperwork pre- and post-deployment. "Airmen will need to fill out Department of Defense form 2795, a pre-deployment health assessment, before they leave," Colonel Kovats said. "And before they return, they need to complete DD form 2796, a post-deployment form, before arriving stateside." The 1st SOMDG's preference is to have Airmen fill out DD 2796 electronically if possible, before leaving the deployed area. The six-page form must be completed, whether handwritten or electronically transmitted. One final item required by the Airmen is blood. Per DOD Instruction 6490.03, Airmen must also provide a post-deployment serum, or blood sample, within 30 days of returning to the United States. "If they're hanging around town during their leave, they should stop in the medical group and take care of it," Colonel Kovats said. "Otherwise, on their first duty day back, they will need to report to the clinic and have blood drawn."