Casteel named March Tip of the Spear

  • Published
  • By 442nd Medical Squadron
  • 442nd Fighter Wing Medical Squadron
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  Tip of the Spear - Staff Sgt. David B. Casteel

Staff Sgt. David B. Casteel is an aerospace medical technician assigned to the 442nd Medical Squadron here.

Before coming to the 442nd, Casteel was in the Army, assigned to the 1/508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, N.C. He served as a healthcare specialist, commonly referred to as a combat medic, and as an evacuation squad leader.

During his Army tenure, Casteel was awarded three Army Commendation Medals and an Afghan Campaign medal with one star.

With his assignment to the 442nd MDS, Casteel has continued his outstanding service and proved himself an invaluable asset with his superlative knowledge and skills.

Accordingly, he was tasked to take over program management of CPR currency and emergency medical technician (EMT) certification. This program is critical to the success of the MDS and its ability to meet contingency taskings.

Casteel tirelessly worked to bring the CPR currency requirements in-line with Air Force standards, resulting in an increase from 70 percent to 98 percent. Additionally, he immersed himself in the governing regulations and performed an extensive audit, noting 30 of 102 MDS personnel held an incorrect level of CPR certification.

Casteel then custom tailored a training program, and worked with each member, resulting in a 100 percent compliance rate for those squadron members. His "can-do, will-do" attitude exemplifies his dedication to service before self and selection for the Tip of the Spear award.