Medical group earns Air Force-wide distinction Published Jan. 13, 2012 By Brian Brackens 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs Kirtland Air Force Base, NM -- The 377th Medical Group recently achieved the distinction of being the first Medical Group in Air Force Materiel Command and the Air Force to reach 100 percent accountability in flu vaccinations of active-duty military members for the second year in a row. This achievement was made possible by planning and support, said Lt. Col. Joseph Costantino, commander of the 377th Aerospace Medicine Squadron. "The Medical Group developed and executed an aggressive communications plan and took advantage of large unit gatherings to reach compliance," he said. "Additionally, we received outstanding support from commanders and supervisors around Kirtland Air Force Base, who ensured their members received a flu vaccine." Master Sgt. Terry Patterson from the Public Health Flight and Staff Sgt. Ison Tenney from the Immunization Clinic were instrumental in the successful flu vaccination campaign, said Costantino. "They led the Medical Group effort by contacting units and setting up more than 20 flu outreach events," he said. Costantino said that keeping the troops healthy is a priority. "Keeping military members medically ready to deploy at all times is a wing priority," he said. "Our efforts certainly pay off each year when flu vaccine season rolls around."