DAYTON, Ohio — On Friday, 120 Wright-Patterson airmen loaded their luggage onto a truck, preparing for deployment to Detroit. They’re working with FEMA to administer vaccinations to the public. 

What You Need To Know

  • Ohio Air Force members will help distribute 6,000 COVID-19 vaccines daily at Ford Field

  • They'll be in Detroit for about six to 12 weeks

  • The deployment is in partnership with FEMA to widely distribute COVID-19 vaccines

“This team in particular is adding to the armor of the human weapon system, protecting our nation, protecting our people, putting that shot in arms,” said Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Colonel Patrick Miller.

Colonel Miller is the leader of this group of men and women. He said they are fully prepared and capable for this mission up north.

“I’m proud to say we have the second largest hospital in the United States Air Force and we’ve got some tremendous capability in the facility behind me,” he said. “So just as much as we need to take care of the nation, we have a home team we need to take care of.”

These airmen will be stationed out in Detroit for about six to 12 weeks. On average they plan to administer 6,000 shots a day at Ford Field, usually the home of the Detroit Lions.

“I am so excited,” said Lt. Destiny Jones. “I am blessed to have been selected to be the hands and feet of eradicating this vicious virus.”

This will be her first time traveling out of state to provide vaccines. 

“I’m excited to meet new people,” said Jones. “I know the vaccine takes about five seconds to give, but hearing them tell me stories about how grateful they are for what we’re doing."

She said she excited to serve Americans because of the greater impact it will make. 

“Looking at this whole experience with a positive lens,” she said. “There are going to be long days, long shifts, but just knowing at the end of the day we’re hoping for the greater good of helping people and getting their lives back.”

Overall Miller said he’s proud of his team and looks forward to the great work they’ll do in Detroit and in the future. 

“They’ve done an amazing job here and I can’t wait to see what they’re going to do for our nation in Detroit, Michigan and anywhere else they’re called upon to serve,” he said. “We’re thrilled to be a part of this whole government effort.”