LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Julie Lalich, 47th Medical Support Squadron pharmacy technician, was chosen by wing leadership to be the “XLer” of the week, for the week of Aug. 6, 2018, at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas.
The “XLer” award, presented by Col. Charlie Velino, 47th Flying Training Wing commander, is given to those who consistently make outstanding contributions to their unit and the Laughlin mission.
Lalich, a native of Del Rio, Texas, facilitated the collection of more than 40 pounds of unused medication and delivered it to the Drug Enforcement Administration to prevent drug abuse and child poisonings.
“We have a receptacle here where people can drop off expired medication,” Lalich said. “After it’s full, we get together with medical logistics, weigh it and then call the DEA to pick up the receptacles. It’s important to get those medications that are not good anymore to keep anyone from making an unfortunate visit to the hospital.”
She also prepared medications for student pilots when they first began training, counseled flyers on vital air sick treatment and enabled more than 1,400 sorties, which in-turn allows Laughlin to graduate pilots on time.
“Every student pilot who flies goes through certain sleeping medications and an anti-biotic,” Lalich. “So when they go on long missions they are able to sleep especially when they’re flying into different time zones.”
Lalich emphasized the importance of making sure student pilots stay healthy while on track with their year-long training.
“When pilots get sick, they need medication, so being here helps them get what they need fast – it’s a quick turn-around,” Lalich said. “It helps with getting them back into training with minimal delay.”
Lalich has been dedicated to her job for more than 11 years, and her determination to provide Laughlin the best quality care they could receive earned her this week’s “XLer” of the week award.