Rodriguez pledges support for 59th MDW's wounded warrior unit Published Sept. 17, 2015 By Shannon Carabajal 59th Medical Wing Public Affairs JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas -- The Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Warrior Care Policy gained insight into the 59th Medical Wing's Airman Medical Transition Unit during a visit to the Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center Sept. 10. James D. Rodriguez advises the secretary of defense on recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration for wounded and ill military members. He met with Airmen from the AMTU to learn more about them and what they're facing. "What I want to do is hear what I can do to support you," Rodriguez said. The AMTU provides administrative oversight and supervision of Airmen recovering from injury and illness. More than 50 Airmen currently assigned to the unit are dealing with a variety of combat and non-combat related conditions. Maj. Gen. (Dr.) Bart Iddins, 59th Medical Wing commander, joined Rodriguez for a sit-down meeting with the unit. The two senior leaders encouraged the Airmen to talk openly about what they're facing and ask any questions they'd like. The Airmen were happy to have the opportunity to share their concerns. Airmen discussed their challenges, and some offered ideas for improvement on a wide variety of topics - ranging from feelings of social isolation and chain of command questions to frustration with the medical evaluation board system. While some of their concerns will require further research, Rodriguez and Iddins reassured Airmen that their issues will be taken seriously. Both senior leaders promised to follow up and quickly resolve those matters with an immediate resolution. "One of the 59th MDW's highest mission priorities is to ensure AMTU members receive the finest healthcare our nation has to offer. Furthermore, this wing has the honor and responsibility to ensure AMTU members receive unrivaled day-to-day support and medical case management," Iddins stressed. Rodriguez wrapped up by thanking the Airmen and encouraging them to be advocates for positive change. "I appreciate the opportunity to listen to your concerns. This mission (taking care of wounded warriors) is important to me. I believe in it, my staff believes in it. There are flaws, but we have an opportunity to fix them," he said.