February 2026
Derek
Havens
,
Registered Nurse
Wright Patterson Medical Center; Flight Medicine
Wright Patterson Medical Center
Wright Patterson AFB
,
OH
United States
His positive impact was a beacon of light in what was the darkest part of my life.
After suffering a devastating medical event in Jan 2025, my original 88th MDG Case Manager assisted me with the administrative side of navigating referrals, claims, convalescent leave paperwork, IRILO, and medical records. After the cancellation of the contract for the 88th MDG Case Manager assigned to me, I was suddenly required to navigate all the administrative tasks on my own while recovering from a significant brain injury.
In April 2025, after weeks of increased stress and frustration, 1Lt Derek L. Havens stepped in as a savior, fulfilling the gaping hole I needed of an active-duty Case Manager, helping me navigate the frequent medical administrative requirements I needed to complete. All the items he helped accomplish were not a direct requirement of his position as Clinical Nurse, Flight Medicine, but by doing what he did, he showed how a nurse can make an impactful change in a patient's life. Unfortunately, in early July 2025, I suffered a life-altering medical event requiring emergency surgery. The complicated requirements I needed to balance between inpatient care, outpatient care, specialty tests, and rehab were overwhelming, and I still lacked an assigned Case Manager from the 88th MDG.
1Lt Derek L. Havens stepped up once again and in an even bigger role than before. He was critical in patient advocacy, ensuring my needs were met and helping to navigate the complicated healthcare system as all my care was handled off base, requiring extensive referrals and claims follow-ups. He provided care coordination, ensuring that I had the appropriate discharge planning and medical equipment needed to meet my altered mobility restrictions, and ensuring I had no gaps in treatment.
Lt Havens improved my healthcare outcome by providing comprehensive support. His positive impact was a beacon of light in what was the darkest part of my life. Any issue or concern I had was addressed efficiently, effectively, and within a few hours of me reaching out. Since 2003, when I initially joined the active-duty military, I have never come across an individual within the military medical system who was so pivotal to my success. There are not enough words to tell this individual thank you!
In April 2025, after weeks of increased stress and frustration, 1Lt Derek L. Havens stepped in as a savior, fulfilling the gaping hole I needed of an active-duty Case Manager, helping me navigate the frequent medical administrative requirements I needed to complete. All the items he helped accomplish were not a direct requirement of his position as Clinical Nurse, Flight Medicine, but by doing what he did, he showed how a nurse can make an impactful change in a patient's life. Unfortunately, in early July 2025, I suffered a life-altering medical event requiring emergency surgery. The complicated requirements I needed to balance between inpatient care, outpatient care, specialty tests, and rehab were overwhelming, and I still lacked an assigned Case Manager from the 88th MDG.
1Lt Derek L. Havens stepped up once again and in an even bigger role than before. He was critical in patient advocacy, ensuring my needs were met and helping to navigate the complicated healthcare system as all my care was handled off base, requiring extensive referrals and claims follow-ups. He provided care coordination, ensuring that I had the appropriate discharge planning and medical equipment needed to meet my altered mobility restrictions, and ensuring I had no gaps in treatment.
Lt Havens improved my healthcare outcome by providing comprehensive support. His positive impact was a beacon of light in what was the darkest part of my life. Any issue or concern I had was addressed efficiently, effectively, and within a few hours of me reaching out. Since 2003, when I initially joined the active-duty military, I have never come across an individual within the military medical system who was so pivotal to my success. There are not enough words to tell this individual thank you!