The Experts Keeping Eglin Airmen Healthy and Mission Ready

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. — Behind every deployment clearance, diagnosis, and routine check-up at Eglin Air Force Base is a team most people never see, but one that plays a critical role in keeping Airmen mission-ready.

The 96th Medical Group recognized its laboratory professionals April 20–26 during National Medical Laboratory Professionals Week, highlighting the Airmen and civilian staff who analyze thousands of samples each year to ensure the health and readiness of Team Eglin.

Lab officials say their work directly impacts nearly every medical decision made on base.

“Up to 70% of medical decisions are based on laboratory results,” said Lt. Col. Jonathan McClaine, the 96th Test Wing’s laboratory medical director. “We don’t just process samples — we ensure our warfighters are healthy, ready, and capable of executing the mission at a moment’s notice.”

That precision-driven mission recently earned national recognition. Following an extensive inspection by the College of American Pathologists, the Eglin lab received a 99.9% rating, its highest score in eight years, across more than 2,000 evaluated standards.

Maj. Mary Storey, clinical laboratory and pathology flight commander, credited the team’s discipline and attention to detail.

“They operate in a zero-defect environment with quiet professionalism,” Storey said. “Every sample represents a patient, depending on their accuracy.”

While much of the lab’s work happens out of sight, leaders emphasized the importance of maintaining strong team cohesion in a 24/7 operational environment.

This year’s “Lab Story” themed celebration included team-building activities, games, and events designed to strengthen communication across shifts.

“These moments are vital,” Storey said. “They build the trust and cohesion we rely on when executing a high-stakes mission behind the scenes.”

For McClaine, the role of lab professionals is simple but essential.

“We are the medical detectives of the hospital,” he said. “We take samples and turn them into answers.”

Even if their work often goes unnoticed, its impact is felt across every unit on base.