TULSA, Okla. — Terry Hill served our country in the United States Army for 13 years. He was medically retired in 2016, but the need to serve others still runs deep in his veins.
“The core of my soul is to help others so that others may live," Hill said. "If I can't do that flying as a medical evacuation pilot in a combat environment, we will do whatever we can here to save lives."
In response to the medical masks shortage due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he is using his 3D printing company,Rapid Application Group, to make two different types of reusable masks.
"We are circumnavigating the supply chain issues right now [by] utilizing 3D printing,” Hill said.
It was a quick change for him and his employees who are veterans and patriots.
“We want to support the local and state communities that need this right now," Hill said. “In about a 48-hour period, we went from designs to production of these items."
The team is making two different types of adaptable, reusable masks. One mask to cover a persons entire face.
“They utilize transparency sheets that can use any 3-hole-punch to punch the holes for the attachment points," Hill said. “It can be used on any size of head and you can use anything in the hospital even down to the shoe string to attach this to your head."
The other mask covers a persons mouth.
"This is made of a material that can be sterilized multiple times," Hill said. "And this part takes a 2-inch square piece of the mask so you get six uses out of one standard mask."
Hill and his team are working closely with the FDA and National Institute for Health.
They say the masks should be ready for medical professionals by the end of the week, and first responders can order them now.
To order face masks for your group or organization, click here.
Hill served in the military for 13 years in the U.S. Army. He started off as an engineer and was promoted up to an E5. He then switched to be a Commission Officer and became a medical evacuation pilot (DUSTOFF) for nine years.
He was stationed in Alabama, Germany, Afghanistan, Montenegro, and South Korea.
During his time as a DUSTOFF pilot, he flew 750 missions in or through combat zones.
In 2010, Hill was hurt in a helicopter crash. He was medically retired in 2016 and soon after opened the only disabled veteran-owned 3D-printing company in North America.
Rapid Application Group handles contracts with organizations like The United States Department of Defense, American Airlines, and Space-X.
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