Former combat medic Chris Ewers, now an Exchange healthcare compliance specialist, stepped up to help during the COVID-19 pandemic by testing heroes on the front lines.
Ewers volunteers to conduct tests at a medical clinic in Dallas-Fort Worth and its satellite offices. He’s tested about 150 Dallas doctors, nurses and physicians assistants.
“I have held a nursing license since 1994, so I’ve always had the urge to help,” Ewers said. “Just like when I received orders calling me back to active duty to Iraq, I went without questioning. It was my honor to help then and it’s an honor to help now.
“I have been in the medical field all my adult life. I do this because I was needed and it’s my job and duty to help.”
Each time he conducted tests, Ewers donned a gown, two pairs of gloves, an N95 mask and face shield.
The 16-year Army Veteran attended nursing school at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston where he treated Wounded Warriors at Brooke Army Medical Center, including those in the intensive care unit. After leaving the military, he worked in a Dallas hospital emergency room for seven years, but the Army Reservist was called back to active duty as a combat medic in Iraq from May 2005 to June 2006.
Nine months ago, he brought his health knowledge to the Exchange.
“Chris exemplifies a true medical professional and serves an example to all of us about what serving the community is all about,” said Jason Woods, senior program manager for the Exchange’s healthcare initiatives. “It is an honor to have someone of his caliber on our team.”
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