Posted on Dec 3, 2025
SGT Kevin Hughes
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More from my Time in Service:
Injured? Call the Medic. Ill? Call the Medic. Blisters on your feet? Call Bubbles.

Bubbles was the nickname for a guy in our Company who was an expert on - of all things...blisters! It turns out he was a very good gymnast in High School, and had to deal with blisters on his hands all the time. Then he became an Athletic Trainer for the Football and Basketball Teams in College. And he got really good at treating blisters. Whether they were on your feet, the palms of your hand, or on your shoulders or chest from equipment chafing you for some reason or another.
He carried a bottle of Vitamin E capsules with him. A jar of petroleum Jelly. Assorted sewing needles, gauze and small scissors. He had some antiseptic wipes, and soft padded bandages.
He would sterilize the needle with a lighter and pierce and drain the fluid. But not all the time, sometimes he would determine that it was better to let the body reabsorb the fluid. None of knew why he made the choices he made, but he always got it right.
Even the Medics would send you to Bubbles if it was a blister issue. He carried his little magic blister bag with him all the time. And he could have your boot off, your foot cleaned and dried, the blister popped or covered, and you feeling better before Break Time was over. '
So if you are injured, call a Medic. If you are Ill, call a Medic. But if your tootsies are sore...yell for Bubbles.
F831731
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Indispensable on those long ruck marches!
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SSgt Richard Kensinger
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combat medics are my heroes.
rich
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SGT Kevin Hughes
SGT Kevin Hughes
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Agreed!
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