With a goal of raising awareness about Navy Medicine's mission, Navy Medicine ambassadors traveled to the 'Sooner' state during Oklahoma City (OKC) Navy Week, Sept. 21-27.

Capt. Alison Eagleton, reserve affairs officer, Medical Corps, and Lt. Abbi West, Nurse Corps, led a group of Navy Medicine personnel from the local Expeditionary Medical Facility detachment.

The Navy Medicine ambassadors interacted with local community members to foster ties and share information about the Navy Medicine mission. Throughout the week, they discussed what they do in the Navy and how they ensure the medical readiness of Sailors, Marines and their families. They also shared personal experiences about their careers in Navy Medicine.

OKC Navy Week was an opportunity to demonstrate how Navy Medicine provides world-class care to Sailors, Marines and their families around the world.

"Health, fitness and medicine are a part of people's everyday life; learning how Navy Medicine ensures the medical readiness of our Sailors and Marines creates a connection because it is directly applicable to their lives," said West. "The Navy is made up of individuals each with their own journey and story to tell. I was proud to represent Navy Medicine and tell my story."

While visiting several of the local schools the ambassadors discussed Navy service and other career opportunities. When the ambassadors showed how to use a battlefield stretcher and heavy-field medical pack, the curiosity levels of the children were immediately raised. They were more than happy to engage the ambassadors and ask detailed questions.

Teachers and parents said the interactive nature of the school visits provided a comfortable environment where the ambassadors were approachable, engaging, and the information enriching.

"Growing up in a town of 160 people here in the great state of Oklahoma I think it's important for folks to hear from the Navy. When I joined, I had no idea what I was getting myself into, but there really are a lot of parallels between a small town and Navy Medicine. There is a deep sense of commitment to take care of each other, to help others, to work hard and to do what is right. I had no difficulty embracing those principles," said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Peggy Dodson.

When they weren't visiting local schools, the ambassadors visited a children's rehabilitation center to meet patients and hand out Navy ball caps.

Several ambassadors joined other Sailors to build a house during a Habitat for Humanity community relations project.

Each day Navy Medicine ambassadors engaged the public at the Oklahoma State Fair, alongside Navy's Science Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) interactive displays, and Navy divers from Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit One (MDSU-1).

Although the Navy has a sizeable presence at Tinker Air Force Base, the people of OKC were grateful to host Sailors from outside of the area because of their diverse backgrounds and experiences, which gave the community a lasting impression of Navy Medicine and its worldwide mission.

For more news from Navy Medicine, visit www.navy.mil/.