JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska — Proper nutrition is a fundamental pillar of military readiness. At the 673d Medical Support Squadron, the Nutritional Medicine Flight is dedicated to ensuring the health, performance and longevity of the Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson community.
The flight provides critical inpatient and outpatient nutritional services to roughly 125,000 beneficiaries across the region. Operating out of the JBER hospital, the flight also supports the largest inpatient military treatment facility in the Pacific Air Forces.
From dietary science to culinary operations, the nutritional team handles a vast array of responsibilities. This includes managing specialized dietary needs for hospital patients and advising on overall force health across the installation.
“We provide nutritional care for inpatients and outpatients, feed the hospital staff, offer training and one-on-one meetings and work to increase our patient outreach,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt.Jozeph Wegner, the 673d MDSS Nutritional Medicine Flight noncommissioned officer in charge.
Dietary science is vital in the military because it directly impacts a service member’s ability to perform under stress, recover from injuries and maintain long-term physical well-being. By addressing daily eating habits, the military can prevent chronic illnesses, boost resilience and enhance overall combat readiness, aligning with Department of War priorities.
The Nutritional Medicine clinic also helps personnel with weight management, healthy eating options and developing realistic life skills. The team consists of active-duty registered dietitians and roughly 20 diet technicians.
“We aim to deliver the best possible care through our various programs and by tailoring services to each patient,” said Wegner. “Our team builds patient repertoire and walks them through nutrition choices to help inspire them to make positive changes.”
Beyond individual counseling, the clinic offers a variety of specialized classes to address the specific needs of the JBER population. These instructional courses cover topics such as prenatal nutrition, heart-healthy habits and general health promotion.
Understanding that diet is linked to psychological factors, Nutritional Medicine works with the Behavioral Health clinic. Together, these medical fields host collaborative classes focusing on healthy lifestyles and eating disorders for both adults and children.
“We want to celebrate the small wins,” said Senior Airman Ethan Corbat, 673d MDSS, Nutritional Medicine Flight diet technician. “Helping people step by step, meal by meal encourages them to get where they want to be physically.”
Under the current leadership of Maj. LindseyColgan, 673d MDSS Nutritional Medicine Flight commander, the team remains highly integrated into broader base health initiatives, including supporting healthier dining options at JBER dining facilities and community events across the installation.
The clinic is in the basement of the JBER hospital near the main elevators and dining facility. For additional information on classes and programs offered, call (907) 580-4310.