Training Drill Turns Into Real Emergency

During a recent training event at Fort Cavazos, Texas, a simulated medical evacuation turned into a real emergency. 

Soldiers from the Louisiana Army National Guard’s 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team were preparing for a Kosovo deployment when a soldier collapsed from a heat-related injury. Staff Sgt. Ashley Renye, a flight medic with the Kentucky Army National Guard, had just completed a demanding simulation when she was alerted to the incident. 

Without hesitation, Renye responded, quickly stabilizing the injured soldier before they were airlifted to a hospital. Her rapid response drew praise from leadership, including Col. Jonathan Lloyd, who highlighted her ability to transition seamlessly from training to real-world care. With six years as a military flight medic and four in civilian emergency medicine, Renye’s calm under pressure was evident. The soldier is recovering, and the unit continues to train for their NATO-led deployment with renewed focus on medical readiness.