WESTOVER AIR RESERVE BASE, Mass. -- U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Reid Sindelar, 439th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron First Sergeant, takes care of people in and out of uniform.
Aside from his military duties, Sindelar is a 13-year clinical pharmacist who splits his time between clinic and hospital duties.
“In the clinic I see patients and monitor their labs and medication regimen and make adjustments as needed,” he said. “I also provide education to patients regarding various disease states. The other 50 percent of my time is working at the hospital on the inpatient floors. I verify provider orders, monitor renal function and adjust medications as needed, monitor antibiotic therapy & chemotherapy regimens.”
He said he enjoys working in pharmacy because he gets to interact with patients and help them understand their medication and why they are taking them.
“I always knew that I wanted to be in the medical field because I truly feel passionate about helping people,” said Sindelar. “I chose pharmacy because there are so many different opportunities depending on what your interests are.”
He brought that same passion for helping people into his military career.
The former aircraft electrical and environmental systems maintainer knew he wanted to join the military back in high school.
“I always had a strong sense of patriotism and wanted to serve my country,” he said. “I chose the Air Force because there was a Guard unit near me, and I could still attend college. I transferred to the Air Force Reserve when I moved to New England because I feel that I had more opportunities to grow in the Reserve.”
As a first sergeant, Sindelar provides the MXG commander with insight on the enlisted force’s health, morale, career progression and discipline.
“I take care of the people and the people take care of the mission,” he said.