Spc. Michael Marsh of the Guam National Guard's Task Force Medical, right, administers a COVID-19 vaccination shot to a member of the community during a Strike Team community outreach point of distribution at the Port Authority of Guam in Piti on June 2, 2021. ()
BARRIGADA, Guam (June 9, 2021) - With vaccination numbers stabilizing at the island’s main vaccine clinic - University of Guam Field House, the Guam National Guard is now maximizing its manpower and resources with community outreach teams. Called Strike Teams, the mobile units comprise seven medics, five data processors, and five traffic managers, and Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services staff, all prepared to administer roughly 100 vaccines on request.
“The mission of the Strike Team is to provide mobile and agile vaccination capabilities in support of DPHSS. If a business, or a government agency, or even a community organization makes the request, we provide ease of access to vaccines while maintaining a safe and efficient process,” said Sgt. Shane Munoz, Strike Team Alpha team leader.
In addition to the Strike Teams, the Guam Guard also provides mobile Vaccination Teams, which comprise four to five medics, or “shooters,” who can assist at vaccination points of distribution hosted by other agencies.
As of June 7, the Strike Teams and Vaccination Teams have administered 1,500 vaccines to the community, at locations including the Dededo Farmer’s Market, Palauan Community Center, Tiyan Carnival Grounds, Hyatt Regency Hotel, Yigo Gym, Port Authority of Guam, Micronesia Mall, and the Paseo Loop. Part of Operation Liberate Guam, the teams are working to meet Governor Lou Leon Guerrero’s goal of herd immunity by Guam’s Liberation Day on July 21.
Maj. Gen. (GU) Esther Aguigui, adjutant general of the Guam National Guard, expressed her support of the Joint Task Force 671’s Task Force Medical, and Task Force Support outreach initiatives. “I am extremely proud of the efforts of our Strike Teams, Vax Teams, and all our COVID-19 Task Forces for leaning forward and creating ways to keep our people safe, all while supporting our Governor’s initiatives. This is yet another example for how the Soldiers and Airmen of the Guam National Guard continue to lead the way, together with our partner agencies, making for a safer and more prosperous road to recovery for the people of Guam.
To request a Strike Team to your establishment, call (671) 682-2172 or email jeralyn.a.sannicolas.mil@mail.mil for more information.
