Maj. Carolyn “C.J.” Newhouse, deputy chief nurse of Air Force Reserve Command’s 446th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron at McChord AFB, Wash., is the first Air Force Reservist to be chosen as a Flight Nurse consultant to the Air Force Surgeon General. Since taking on the position, she has made several recommendations to improve flight nurse readiness skills. “I have been involved in reviewing new regulations related to AE patient care including an expanded pain managements section,” she explained. Newhouse also participates in a monthly teleconference with the AE clinical working group at Air Mobility Command and regularly discusses general nursing issues with other nurse consultants. Asked if the extra duty has been a problem for a Reservist, Newhouse credits the support of her civilian employer and her commander with her new role, which is a three-year appointed position.
The White House has nominated a half-dozen Air Force general officers for three-star jobs, including new leaders for Air Forces Central in the Middle East, the Air Force Reserve, and one of the service’s top acquisition organizations.