From the Emergency Department to the Air Force: Dr. Propst takes oath to follow his dream

Steven Propst, an Emergency Department physician at Cox South, is turning a childhood interest into a reality by joining the Air Force Reserves.

“My grandfather flew C-124 in the Air Force as a career airman, and so I always had an interest in aviation and in the Air Force specifically.”

Seeing his grandfather's impact in the military inspired Dr. Propst to join, hoping he could have the same impact.

Dr. Propst took an oath on March 16 to join the Air Force. That oath was officiated by Missouri Army National Guard Col. Ian Fawks. Col. Fawks also serves as a physician at CoxHealth.

After his enlistment, Dr. Propst will undergo training at Scott Air Force Base where he will be part of the 932nd Airlift Wing. During his three years with CoxHealth, he helped teach in the Special Operations Combat Medics (SOCM) program and went to Fort Bragg recently with the team.

“And that kind of sealed my decision when I came back. I just knew I wanted to put this commitment to rest and get it done before I waited too long and regretted it. The Reserves, I think, are a good blend that allows me to keep my civilian job. And I've really loved working for Cox, and my colleagues that I work with have been great,” he adds.