260723-F-TT513-1001

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Alivia Merkel, Ohio Air National Guard 179th Medical Group dental technician, observes an oral surgery performed by the 31st Dental Squadron dental technicians at Aviano Air Base, Italy, July 23, 2026. The 179th MDG medical technicians visited Aviano for two weeks to train with specialized equipment, gain hands-on clinic hours and learn from the 31st MDG in a full-time military treatment facility. “Being able to work together with the active duty side has allowed us to learn from each other and share knowledge, including from our civilian lives, which has been invaluable,” said Master Sgt. Andrew Pavell, OANG 179th MDG noncommissioned officer in charge of education and staff development. “They’re going out of their way to immerse us in different procedures because we’ve been building trust. That relationship you build lasts forever.” (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class TaeLani Allen-Lewis)