Local surgeon called to active duty

Local general surgeon Dr. Sara Hartsaw wasn't really planning on a trip to Afghanistan. She was commissioned as a Lt. Commander in the United States Naval Reserve in April 2013, where she would serve one weekend per month and two weeks a year, stationed in San Diego.

The U.S. Navy had other plans for her. Dr. Hartsaw was recently called to active duty, and will very likely be stationed in Afghanistan for the next six to seven months, caring for injured American and Coalition forces.

She leaves Gillette on February 20, traveling first to F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne. From there Dr. Hartsaw goes to the Naval Station at Norfolk, VA; Camp Pendleton in California to join her team; Ft. Jackson, SC for three-four weeks of Army training and then overseas.

"There's a 95 percent likelihood that I'll go to Kandahar, Afghanistan," said Dr. Hartsaw.

She was somewhat surprised at this turn of events, but she knew when she joined the Naval Reserves that there was a chance of being called to serve. Her family is adjusting to the concept of her deployment, probably because military service runs in the family. Dr. Hartsaw's father-in-law and two uncles served in the military, son Ian was in the U.S. Marine Corps and daughter Katie is an officer in the U.S. Army.

Dr. Hartsaw's active duty posting is scheduled for a minimum of 365 days.

While Dr. Hartsaw is away, Dr. Paul Dearing will help provide surgical care at Dr. Hartsaw's office for about 10 days a month.

Thank you Dr. Hartsaw, for choosing to serve our country.

Check out more
Gillette News Record February 24, 2015
Called to serve: Surgeon, hospital trustee called to active military duty, by Paul Christiansen

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