The 'shot lady' strikes again and again

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Heather Kelly
  • 920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs
PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  It's a Saturday afternoon during the Air Force Reserve's 920th Rescue Wing "drill weekend" and the clinic is buzzing with activity. Servicemembers waiting for flight physicals patiently pass the time chatting while others choke down copious amounts of water in preparation for their random-drug tests.
 
A determined and distinct voice travels down the hallway, cutting through the chatter.

"Who's next?" Major Paula Pino calls out to the occupants in the immunizations lab.

Affectionately known as the "Shot Lady," Maj. Pino is charged with the unpopular task of ensuring every 920th RQW member is current on their immunizations. It is a never-ending mission, but one she doesn't take lightly.

"Nobody wants shots. We decided to take a different approach to get the job done," Maj. Pino said. "I wanted to make immunizations a friendlier place. People are very busy; they don't have time to come over for one shot. Reservists have two days to do what active duty has a month to do. We try to make it more convenient....so we went mobile."

Maj. Pino is referring to her "The Away Team." Once a quarter, the immunizations team visits units to administer required shots to overdue members.

Another team Maj. Pino oversees is the "Strike Team." The immunizations team strategically calls overdue Reservists on the phone to see if they are present during the drill weekend. If so, they will bring the immunization clinic to them.

"A lot of times, they just can't get out of the office and we understand. We take a proactive approach to ensure accountability. If you can't come to the clinic, we will come to you," said Maj. Pino.

The practice has produced results according to wing staffers.

"She's great at her job," said Master Sgt. Olga Medina, wing military equal opportunity advisor. "She's kind and caring, but she's like a predator on prey. She'll get you if you're not current, you can run but you can't hide!"

When she is not managing her Strike and Away Teams at the unit, Maj. Pino proudly manages her team of four children at home. With the oldest in college at Harvard University and a middle child in high school, she still found room in her home and her heart to also take on two adopted boys, brothers aged three and four.

"I always wanted to adopt, it was a lifelong dream. I always wanted to make a positive difference in somebody's life," she said.
 
That type of motivation has carried her far from her beginnings in Columbus, Ohio. Maj. Pino began career as an enlisted medical technician, serving with the 33rd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron or AES in Pittsburgh, Penn., and later at the 31st AES in Charleston, S.C., before arriving at Patrick AFB in 1985. Back then, she was known as Tech. Sgt. Pino. Five years later, she was Second Lt. Pino.

After spending 10 years as an intensive care unit charge nurse in her civilian career, today she conducts home health support and will graduate with her master's degree in Nursing Education in June. Now an Air Force Reserve major, she said she is inspired by a need for excellence in all areas of life: personal, professional and especially mission performance.

"Immunization currency affects a bigger picture. If we send folks out unprepared, we are not doing our jobs. It's just like equipment, physical training, uniforms, etc. It's a critical component of our mission readiness," said Maj. Pino. "We would like folks to understand we are here to help, not hurt."

Master Sgt. Jon Green, 920th chief of career enhancements, agreed. "These guys are top of the line. They follow up and follow through...we need them as OPR (officer performance report) and EPR (enlisted performance report) monitors."

"You're still getting a shot," Maj. Pino replied.