While many college students adapted to completing their spring semester virtually, one Boston University undergraduate found himself in the epicenter of the response efforts for the COVID-19 pandemic.
Army Spc. Owen Kearney, an Army Reserve soldier and BU political science major, was in a virtual class when he received the call to report to his unit for mobilization.
''I was actually in a Zoom class when my unit contacted me and said it was going to happen,'' Kearney said. ''I was notified on March 26th that we were to report at [Fort Devens, Massachusetts]s on the 28th.''
Kearney is a member of the 3rd Medical Command (Deployment Support), 803rd Hospital Center. He is one of more than 1,200 Army Reserve medical professionals mobilized in urban augmentation medical task forces, or UAMTFs, as part of the Defense Department's response to COVID-19, which is being led by U.S. Northern Command.
Specifically created to respond in this time of crisis, UAMTFs augment the civilian medical community by delivering a wide range of critical medical capabilities. Each 85-person UAMTF consists of doctors, nurses, combat medics, respiratory therapists and ancillary personnel.
As a human resource specialist, Kearney's responsibilities include assuring all personnel and accounting requirements were completed for the team, starting at their home station.
''I helped to in-process over 500 soldiers for the 804th, making sure their deployment status was green,'' Kearney said. ''Then I was transferred to Task Force 1, where I took control of daily personnel status functions, and worked with every individual soldier, as well as the command team, on a daily basis.''
Kearney's task force first mobilized to the temporary field hospital at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City, and later relocated to augment staff at Queens Hospital.
''Our mission at Queens was to provide care for COVID patients to help ease the burden on the civilian hospital system,'' Kearney explained. ''They were understaffed, as some health care workers had contracted the virus.''
I believe we helped to ease suffering; and the impact we made in such a short time has shown me how important it is to have soldiers readily available for times of crisis.''
Army Spc. Owen Kearney
''I also cross-trained with our supply noncommissioned officer in charge,'' Kearney continued. ''That way, he was able to ensure our task force was properly equipped to fight the virus by working with members of other service branches and civilians. This made a profound impact on my understanding of large-scale operations.''
Kearney said he joined the Army because serving others has always been important to him.
''I volunteer my time coaching high school lacrosse, as well as youth flag football, because helping others fulfill their full potential has always brought me joy,''Kearney explained. ''The transition into Army life was easy to me as a [human resource specialist] because I take care of soldiers with the same understanding and compassion.''
In joining the Army Reserve, Kearney continued a history of service in his family. Both of his late grandfathers served, as well as two uncles.
''This history of service has greatly worked to my advantage, as they have both continually mentored me throughout my career,'' Kearney said. ''My family has shown me nothing but unconditional love and support.''
The native of Abington, Massachusetts, said he specifically chose the Army Reserve because he wanted to serve his country while simultaneously earning his degree at Boston University.
''Growing up in the South Shore, I always knew Boston University was the place for me,'' Kearney said. ''My father and I would stay up late at night to watch the BU hockey games. When I visited the school for the first time, I saw the way the Charles River flows behind the campus and I fell in love. It's a tremendous school.
''I chose to study political science, because we live in a very politically charged environment,'' he continued. ''Health care, equality and climate change are all polarizing issues. Americans need members of our government to work together and make sure we continue to make this country better. As a political science major, I see myself one day helping to achieve these goals for our nation.''
Kearney explained how he managed his academic studies with the sudden call to duty.
''It was tough staying up late hours to complete some deadlines, especially finals week, but the teachers were really flexible,'' he said. ''There were other college students in my UAMTF, and we had study groups. I've received nothing but support from all my teachers and cadre throughout my time here.''
Kearney's mention of cadre references his professors of military science at Boston University. In addition to studying political science, Kearney is a member of the ROTC program. As a second-year military science student, he became eligible to formally commit to continue his path toward earning a commission as a second lieutenant.
''I think I've gained a great amount of experience throughout my civilian life and Army career, Kearney said. ''The next step for me is to put myself in a position to share my experience with others and make a positive impact on soldiers. As an officer, I have the best opportunity to achieve these goals and continue to progress as a leader.''
Kearney signed his official ROTC contract May 6, and he participated in a virtual ceremony from his mobilization site in New York via video chat. The ceremony was officiated by Army Maj. Gen. (Dr.) Jonathan Woodson, the commanding general of the Army Reserve Medical Command.
Like Kearney, Woodson is a citizen-soldier. In his civilian capacity, he leads Boston University's Institute for Health System Innovation and Policy. He is a Larz Anderson professor in management and professor of the practice at the Questrom School of Business, and he holds joint appointments as professor of surgery at the School of Medicine and professor of health law, policy and management at the School of Public Health.
''It is always an honor to participate in ceremonies that recognize the advancement of soldiers,'' Woodson said. ''These are time-honored traditions that we cannot let fall by the wayside because of mission.
''Cadet Kearney has a bright future ahead of him,'' Woodson continued. ''He has already participated in one the single largest domestic mobilizations of the military in American history and experienced how the Department of Defense can support civil authorities when called upon. This knowledge provides a strong platform of confidence and compassion required today for our nation’s military leaders.''
Kearney summarized his mobilization experience.
''Overall, this was a great learning experience,'' he said. ''I was able to work with the command team to really understand how the Army operates while activated. Many officers and enlisted soldiers here have served as great examples for me to carry forward in my Army career.''
Kearney also expressed his gratitude to those involved in the pandemic response effort.
''To all the soldiers that worked in my unit, along with the civilian workers at Queens, I greatly appreciate your courage in such a difficult time,'' he said. ''All of these medical workers have families of their own back home. To be distant from them while working in such an unprecedented time speaks volumes to their professionalism and commitment to their duties.''
As the Queens medical system sees fewer COVID-19 infected patients, Kearney's task force returns to their home station, but his mission is not yet complete.
''Currently, we are in the demobilization process,'' he saied. ''The long hours we've put in to get all our soldiers home safely, make sure they receive appropriate awards and fix any outstanding pay function, has taught me a large sense of responsibility.''
Kearney summarized the mission.
''I believe we helped to ease suffering; and the impact we made in such a short time has shown me how important it is to have soldiers readily available for times of crisis,'' he said.
(Army Lt. Col. Meritt Phillips is assigned to the Army Reserve Medical Command.)