Last baby born in old BACH to Eielson parents

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Nora Anton
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Isabella Martinez has the distinct privilege of being the last bundle of joy to be delivered in the old 5060th United States Air Force Hospital Facility (currently known as Bassett Army Community Hospital) at 4:43 p.m. June 15.

Like the first tot delivered at the facility in 1953, Isabella claims for her parents two proud Air Force members, Airman 1st Class Francisco Martinez and Airman Jeanette Martinez, both with the 354th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.

Baby Isabella weighs six pounds, 14 ounces and is 19 and ½ inches long.

The old facility was originally constructed by the Air Force in 1951 when Fort Wainwright was Ladd Army Air Base; in 1963 the hospital was rededicated as Bassett Army Community Hospital, two years after the Air Force transferred Ladd to the Department of the Army.

A new medical facility was finished and all equipment from the old facility was being transferred to the new facility at the time Isabella was born, luckily, BACH anticipated emergency services would be needed at this time and kept enough equipment running during the transition period to facilitate any emergency needs.

"We didn't realize it until somebody told us afterwards," said Airman Francisco Martinez. "It's definitely a cool feeling to be the parents of the last baby born in the medical facility... it's cool to be part of this milestone."

Airman Jeanette Martinez said her contractions started during a commander's call.

"It was right during the commander's call for Airmen when I went into labor," she said. "The next day Isabella was born."

Both parents say Isabella is doing well.

The parents were presented with a basket filled with baby gifts from the Armed Forces Emergency Services of the American Red Cross.