Behind the Uniform: A1C Amadou Mbye

A1C Amadou Mbye an aerospace medical service.

Airman 1st Class Amadou Mbye, an aerospace medical service in the 175th Wing, Maryland Air National Guard, who has been in the military for about 2 years.

Why did you join the Maryland National Guard?

“I joined to expand my horizons. I didn’t want to just go straight from college into grad school, I wanted something different. I believed that the military was able to give me just an opportunity to learn medical knowledge and to practice it. And it has. Just the training in general, from tech school to this COVID activation, it has just been a really good experience.”

How does it feel to work in the community during this time?

“It feels good, it feels empowering, feels like you can make a difference. You know, sometimes you see a little kid that reminds you of yourself. And they’re looking at you with, glazed eyes like, ‘Oh, my God, you’re in uniform.’ And you’re just like, ‘well I used to be you,’ and just have a conversation with them. So pretty good.”

What part of your training has prepared you most for this activation?

“Air Force phase three training, included working in a hospital for about a month to get the clinical experience. I would say just being able to handle different patients and different circumstances, just gave me that experience to do this COVID activation right now. We see all kinds of people from all walks of life and just being able to navigate that and get them the help that they need is great.”

What is your favorite part about being a service member?

“Honestly just being able to meet different people, just different experiences, you can learn so much. It only takes just having a conversation with people. Just being a friendly face, being respectful and being mindful of rank, of course, not being afraid of asking questions and getting those answers.”

What are you doing to deal with stress?

“Stress, a lot of the times I go home and play video games or my girlfriend and I go out with our dog on a long walk, especially with warmer weather.”

What is the next thing for you after this mission is over?

“Well, I’m in school right now. So just continue school and probably get an EMT job or try to see if I can work with my Wing.”