TOWAOC, Colo. --
The Colorado Air National Guard 140th Medical Group kicked off a five-day health fair, better known as Operation CoCare, with an opening ceremony at the recreation center in southwest Colorado. The fair is in conjunction with the fourth annual Tri Ute games competition being hosted by Towaoc.
The Adjutant General of Colorado, Maj. Gen. H. Michael Edwards was in attendance and a guest speaker at the opening ceremony today. Also attending was Brig. Gen. Trulan Eyre, commander, 140th Wing and Brig. Gen. Rick Martin, commander, Colorado Air National Guard.
"It's really a privilege and an honor to be with you today," said Edwards. "Take advantage of the health fair; it's a great opportunity to have your overall health checked and to spend some time with our wonderful folks of the 140th Medical Group."
Thirty-four members of the 140th Medical Group will perform screenings for hypertension, high blood pressure, diabetes and weight management issues, as well as provide dental and hearing consultations and sports physicals. The health fair features an interactive area where children can learn simple first aid, try out some medical equipment, and learn about what medical professionals do in the military.
"We have a comprehensive collection of medical capabilities here to serve you," said Col. Paul Shingledecker, commander of the 140th Medical Group. "We have physicians, nurses, physician assistants, medical technicians, dentists and assorted other professionals working with us."
In addition to the health fair, the 140th Medical Group has provided an Emergency Medical Team to administer first aid services during the Tri Ute games.
Three Ute tribes will come together for the competition which lasts four days and includes a multitude of sports competitions including basketball, golf, ultimate warrior triathlon, girls volleyball, swimming, archery, bowling, hand games, skateboarding and cross country.
The Ute Mountain Ute tribe's reservation lays in southwest Colorado, southeast Utah and northern New Mexico. There are two communities on the Ute reservation, the Tribal Headquarters in Towoac, Colorado and the Small Community at White Mesa, Utah.
For media inquiries about Operation CoCare, please contact Capt. Kinder Blacke, 140th Wing Public Affairs at 720-847-6164,
kinder.blacke@ang.af.mil.