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Video by Jorge Gomez
From Buddhist Monastery to Military Ministry
Irwin Army Community Hospital
Oct. 21, 2024 | 7:57
At age 12, Steven Thongpim left his family to become a Buddhist monk in Thailand, beginning a 25-year journey of spiritual service. Though he dreamed of following in his military father's footsteps, his monastic path seemed to close that door – until an unexpected opportunity arose in America.

In this interview, Chaplain (CPT) Thongpim reveals how he bridges Eastern and Western spiritual traditions as an Army chaplain, teaching Soldiers ancient breathing techniques while providing compassionate care across all faiths. His remarkable story showcases how his early Buddhist training uniquely prepared him to serve Soldiers at Fort Riley's Soldier Recovery Unit, where he combines centuries-old mindfulness practices with modern military ministry.

Watch as he shares how active listening and loving-kindness transcend religious boundaries, bringing peace and healing to Soldiers in need.

Music title "I Walk with Ghosts" by Scott Buckley (@ScottBuckley) – released under CC-BY 4.0.
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Fort RileyBuddhist ChaplainBuddhist monkBuddhistIrwin Army Community HospitalSoldier Recovery Unit SRU
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Edwards AFB COVID-19 Vaccine Center

 

What:   Comirnaty (Pfizer/BioNTech)  Fact Sheet: www.cvdvaccine.com                             

•Primary Series (2 doses) – for all 12 and older
•3rd dose (28 days after 2nd dose) – for Immunocompromised
•Booster dose (6 mo after final dose)–
•For anyone 65 and older
•For 18-65 y.o. with high risk medical condition or high risk for exposure
•Pediatric doses (5-11 y.o.) – pending, will be available via primary care provider

Where: Main MDG campus, Bldg 5525, 30 Nightingale Road

When:  By appointment. Sign up at https://health.mil/dap.html

•Walk in available during operating hours

Who:    All AD/Beneficiaries/DoD & NAF Employees

 

OFF-BASE: Free and readily available to everyone at all pharmacies/vaccine centers

•To find a location near you: Text your ZIP CODE to GETVAX (438829) or VACUNA (822862)
•Or visit Vaccines.gov or Myturn.ca.gov

 

•For AD/Reservists/Beneficiaries – bring in documentation to Vaccine Center or email it to

 usaf.edwards.412-mdg.list.covid-clinic@mail.mil

For Digital Vaccine Record Request:

If you got your COVID-19 vaccine through the state, public health department or pharmacy, you may be able to request a Digital Vaccine record through the California Immunizations Registry (CAIR) by visiting https://myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov/

If you got your COVID-19 vaccine through the 412th MDG/Edwards AFB, you may request your record be sent to CAIR in order to obtain a Digital Vaccine Record, using the following steps:

1. Log into MHS Genesis Patient Portal (use DS Login or CAC card): https://patientportal.mhsgenesis.health.mil/

2. Send a message to “USAF EDWARDS PHARMACY COMMUNICATION” with phone number and/or email to associate with your vaccine record request.

3. Wait for a reply to your message before requesting through CAIR site (above). 

**Note – it is taking a few weeks to process requests due to overwhelming numbers and backlog. This is a manual data entry push, so please be patient.

Related Websites:

1. Vaccine Safety: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety.html

2. Vaccine Booster information: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html

3. Link for Parents on COVID vaccine from AAP: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/COVID-19/Pages/The-Science-Behind-the-COVID-19-Vaccine-Parent-FAQs.aspx