Ohio University Air Force ROTC cadet deployed to assist hospitals

An Ohio University Air Force ROTC cadet has been deployed as a member of the Ohio National Guard to assist hospitals amid COVID-19.

Trevor Ashworth, a senior studying aviation management, is currently working at Mount Carmel East outside of Columbus. He is stationed at the Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base with the 121st Air Refueling Wing (ARW). He has been activated to assist Ohio’s hospitals since Dec. 20. 

“I have been assisting the hospitals in any way that I can by filling roles needed to help relieve some of the stress the workers are facing and help boost morale in any way possible,” he said. 

Ashworth has worked to monitor and ensure patients’ safety to reduce nurses’ stress, as well as keep the patients company. He has also worked with Environmental Services to clean and set up rooms as well as other parts of the building.

“I feel blessed that I am able to venture out and learn more about other careers and see other viewpoints to help widen my own,” he said. “I am also grateful for the people I've been able to meet at the hospital and being able to put a smile on a patient’s face when they are at a place most people would rather not be.”

Ashworth said OHIO and Air Force ROTC have prepared him for his work in the hospital by challenging him. His work as a resident assistant has helped him to always be ready for something to happen but remain calm and professional. Air Force ROTC has helped improve his leadership skills. In the fall, he was the Cadet Vice Wing Commander and helped lead a detachment of more than 50 cadets. 

“We are really proud of Cadet and Senior Airman Ashworth and the work he is doing for Ohio,” said Detachment 650 Commander Lt. Col. Mark Enriques. “He has worked hard to balance school, ROTC, and Air National Guard requirements. Trevor did a great job helping lead our cadet wing last fall, and now he is serving medical workers in a critical time for our nation.”

“I've always liked a challenge and OHIO and Air Force ROTC have not disappointed,” he said. “They helped to prepare me mentally and physically for any obstacles I've faced by constantly presenting me with new challenges.” 

At Ohio University, ROTC programs are housed in University College. For more information about Air Force ROTC Detachment 650, visit the Ohio University’s Air Force ROTC website or email afrotc650@ohio.edu.