1st Infantry Division Soldiers are continuing to provide critical support for COVID vaccination efforts. In late February, Soldiers from the Big Red One deployed as part of a national effort to speed the pace of COVID-19 vaccinations. Those Soldiers are now working seven days week to assist federal and regional officials increase vaccination rates.
"As a whole, we're supporting FEMA, the county and state, by increasing their efficiency at getting vaccinations into the arms of people," said Capt. Jendy Weppler, a physician with 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, supporting the Dallas Community Vaccination Center.
Approximately 230 Soldiers from the 1st Infantry Division are supporting Community Vaccination Centers in Miami, Florida and Dallas, Texas. On the Dallas CVC opening day, more than 6,000 total vaccinations were administered.
Additionally the 1st Sustainment Brigade has 44 Soldiers supporting FEMA in New York, New Jersey, Florida, Dallas, Houston and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Those logistics specialists are providing the reception and integration for incoming medical personnel from the civilian sector and Active and Reserve components.
Big Red One Soldiers are supporting community vaccination centers in smaller communities, working on mobile vaccination teams to support underdeveloped or harder to reach rural communities and urban federally supported vaccine centers near major metropolitan areas.