U.S. Air Force Capt. Kathryn Schwartz, 633d Medical Group resource management, presents photos during the Warfighter Speaker Series at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, March 27, 2025. Schwartz was deployed for seven months in the Middle East and shared her experience operating as part of the Ground Surgical Team. A GST is a mobile surgical team that provides lifesaving medical assistance in austere environments; it consists of six members: a general surgeon, emergency room physician, certified registered nurse anesthetist, critical care nurse, medical service corps officer, and a surgical technician. Schwartz’s mission within her GST ranged from performing surgeries to providing humanitarian support. Schwartz shared her of lives that were saved by her team and the obstacles they overcame to accomplish their mission. She described how this experience brought her closer to the mission and strengthened her as a warfighter. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Mikaela Smith)

U.S. Air Force Capt. Kathryn Schwartz, 633d Medical Group resource management deputy, smiles during the Warfighter Speaker Series presentation at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, March 27, 2025. Schwartz was deployed for seven months in the Middle East and shared her experience operating as part of the Ground Surgical Team. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Mikaela Smith)