Biomedical Sciences Corps 50th Anniversary

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. David A. Eisenach
  • BSC Surgical Specialties Flight commander
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  Several 55th Medical Group Biomedical Sciences Corps officers began celebrating the BSC's 50th Anniversary by volunteering at the Open Door Mission Outreach Center, a non-profit organization whose mission it is to break the cycle of homelessness and poverty.

With approximately 10 volunteers, Offutt BSC Airmen also brought family members and donations of their own and filled in wherever they were needed from sorting donation to stocking shelves.

Their community outreach project wasn't the only event to honor the milestone. The Air Force recently designated Jan. 26 - 30 as Biomedical Sciences Corps Appreciation Week to recognize their achievements.

"To celebrate our solidarity this week of our 50th anniversary, we are gathering for multiple events, including teleconferences and a special celebratory breakfast led by Col. Stephen Mounts, 55th Medical Group commander," said U.S. Air Force Capt. Emanuel VonDran, 55th Medical Operations Squadron mental health chief and BSC Appreciation Week Co-Chair.  "This is an opportunity for us to bond as BSC members as well as have a positive impact on our local community."

The community hasn't been the only audience to benefit from the BSC impact.

The BSC's roots date back to 1917, when the Sanitary Corps was established to combat infectious diseases. The Army Medical Administrative Corps followed three years later.  In 1949, the Air Force Medical Service was officially established.  The Air Force Medical Service continued to expand over the next two decades and in 1965, the Biomedical Sciences Corps was born.  Over the past 50 years, the BSC continued to expand its range of personnel to include a wide variety of medically-trained professionals.

To date, the BSC's mission is to enhance Air Force combat capability and effectiveness by providing world-class customer service and scientific expertise, resulting in peak force performance, productivity, and quality healthcare to our beneficiary population.  Comprised of 17 primary specialty codes, the BSC is the most diverse corps in the Air Force Medical Service.  Capitalizing on their breadth of expertise, the BSC motto is:  United in the Mission. 

"We currently have 22 Biomedical Sciences Corps team members here at Offutt, and are proud to serve 'United in the Mission,'" said U.S. Air Force Maj. Jennie Sheffield, 55th MDOS Biomedical Science Corps executive.  "Local BSCs serve in a variety of clinical capacities and at different levels of leadership.  We have one member who serves on the 55th Wing Commander's Action Group and even one who is a squadron commander."

Please join the Air Force in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Biomedical Sciences Corps and recognizing the contributions of these outstanding men and women who dedicate their lives to improving health, maximizing performance, and providing trusted medical care to support our most vital resource, our Airmen.