Lieutenant Colonel Frank Kriz, former commanding officer of the hospital, works on a patient under the bare lights of the operating room. Kriz heads a medical staff of seven surgeons, 15 nurses and various technicians.

Crews rotate

   Important cogs in 3d Surg's success are the pilots and crews of the MEDEVAC choppers of the 75th Medical Detachment (Airmobile). The "dustoff" crews live in the 3d Surg area and are there on call for three day stretches. After three days, they go back to the 57th Medical Detachment to rest for a few days, before going on to another hospital in the 68th Medical Group for another three day stint.
   "I feel better knowing that I'm saving people, not killing them," said Chief Warrant Officer 2, Frank Sutton, 33, Columbus, Ga. "Actually it's more dangerous because MEDEVAC choppers have to spend more time on the ground, but it's rewarding work."
   Being completely separate from the Division's organic 9th Medical Battalion, 3d Surg does not perform sickcall, except for their own personnel. They do have capabilities for dental service.

Oldest MEDCAP

   For over a year, a group of volunteers from 3d Surg have assisted in what Kriz calls, "the oldest, most successful MEDCAP in the Delta." Twice a week, the volunteers offer their services outside the Dong Tam gate, treating about 1,500 patients a month.
   It is a short jump from the muddy rice paddies of the Division's area of operations to 3d Surg, and that means a wounded Old Reliable can get the help he needs fast.
   "To give you an idea of our capabilities," Kriz said, "we once had a soldier brought in with a piece of shrapnel in this heart. Because of the staff and equipment we have, we saved him."