IACH-Ft. Riley, KS

• Origins of IACH: Irwin Army Community Hospital (IACH) at Fort Riley, Kansas, was officially dedicated on October 30, 1958, and named after Brigadier General Bernard John Dowling Irwin, a pioneering army surgeon considered the "Father of the Medical Medal of Honor." • Fort Riley’s Historic Roots: Fort Riley was established in 1853, making it one of the oldest continuously operating military posts west of the Mississippi River. • Named After a Hero: BG Bernard J.D. Irwin, for whom IACH is named, performed the first recorded act of battlefield medical heroism during the Apache Wars in 1861—years before the Medal of Honor was created. • Medical Innovation: IACH has been at the forefront of military medical care, adapting its services to support troops during the Vietnam War, Gulf War, and recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. • Support for the Big Red One: IACH primarily serves the 1st Infantry Division—"The Big Red One"—one of the most storied divisions in U.S. Army history. • Community Outreach: IACH provides not only care for soldiers and their families but also supports civilian communities in the surrounding Kansas area, especially during emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic. • Modernization: In 2016, IACH opened a new, state-of-the-art hospital facility, replacing the original 1950s-era building and significantly upgrading patient care and medical technology. • Training and Readiness: IACH is a key training site for Army medical personnel, offering clinical rotations for both military and civilian healthcare professionals. • Historical Patients: Over its history, IACH has cared for notable military figures, including Medal of Honor recipients and high-ranking officers stationed at Fort Riley. • Environmental Commitment: The new IACH facility is designed with sustainability in mind, incorporating eco-friendly features such as energy-efficient systems and green spaces to promote healing and environmental responsibility.