MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Watching TV., surfing the internet and playing video games are some ways service members here, enjoy their downtime. But sitting alone at a small table in the base’s food court, finds one service member studying a thick medical text book. While some might be tempted to call him a bookworm, his fellow Marines know him by one name only: “Doc.”
Seaman Eichmann A. Strickland, Combat Logistics Company 36 hospitalman, native, is serving on his first deployment here with members of Marine Wing Support Squadron 171.
Don’t let the studious habits and quiet demeanor fool you; Strickland’s dedication to his work and fellow Marines goes without question.
“The Marines depend on (corpsmen) to take care of their medical needs,” Strickland said. “I’ve been approached with medical problems it’s my first time dealing with, and I think, ‘What do I do?’ But I just have to think back to my training. Because, the Marines trust you to take care of them.”
Taking care of Marines is not something with which Strickland is unfamiliar. In Iwakuni, he regularly performs sick calls, maintains health records and assists medical officers. Strickland’s responsibility while working in the field during Exercise Bulldozer, however, belies his youthful face and short build. The 21-year-old has the added pressure of being the only on-site medical personnel.
“Most of the time there’s no doctor around … you have to be pretty independent,” said Strickland. “(We) rely on our training. Being in a cold environment, we’re expected to know the different injuries and how to treat them.”
By talking with the Marines and giving classes, Strickland has assured that service members are aware of the hazards Fuji’s chilly temperatures can present.
At a brief, the Marines were told how to properly hydrate before physical training and how to protect themselves from the cold weather, Strickland said. I want to make sure they’re aware of common things like hypothermia, frostbite and dehydration.
Aside from cold-weather injuries, Strickland’s work also includes helping Marines with everyday illnesses. Cpl. Jonathan T. Wilson, MWSS-171 chemical, biological, nuclear and radiation defense specialist was suffering from a nagging stomach virus when he enlisted Strickland’s aid.
“He helped a lot,” said the Randleman, N.C., native. “Doc looked into the problem, got me some meds and now I’m feeling a lot better. You can definitely tell he wants to help by the way he’s always asking people how they’re feeling.”
Petty Officer 2nd Class Larry A. Plump, MWSS-171 hospitalman and Chicago native, accompanied Strickland on the exercise and is pleased with his performance.
“He’s done a very good job,” Plump said. “He’s never been in this type of environment before, and he has adapted very well. I told him to be open-minded about everything he does and to see this as a learning experience.”
Strickland certainly followed Plump’s advice, and feels training, working and socializing with Marines has been both fun and educational.
“(Exercise Bulldozer) has been a great opportunity for me, and I can say Marines are a different type of people,” Strickland said with a laugh. “The camaraderie is different. I’ve never seen such camaraderie in any other service, or the motivation and willingness to learn and to train … It’s definitely been a learning experience.”
The experience has also reinforced Strickland’s desire to continue his medical career after leaving the service. But for now, he is happy being able to take care of his fellow Marines, and knows friendships forged on this deployment will last long after the bus arrives back in Iwakuni.