Best Friends Deputy Chief, Medical Service Corps Sept 2011 - October 2011. This was an easy and hard assignment. Easy in that I enjoyed a robust staff and BG Dennis Doyle could not be easier to work for. I made the Colonel assignments and many other strategic decisions, and he always backed me up – even with his buddies. I put together a Strategic Planning Conference and we put together some good strategies for the Corps next three years. Assignment was hard in that I remained frustrated with the politics of the AMEDD and Army. Chief of Staff of the Army and Surgeon General voiced full support for getting me selected to General Officer, but in the end neither did. Some of this may have had to do with an investigation I was forced to do on the commander of Madigan Army Medical Center. It was a General Officer level 15-6, but TSG and Chief of Staff wanted me because they stated I would do the best job and I had no fear of high-ranking officers or reprisals. I was assigned two very sharp LTC Physicians to help me during the investigation but chose to leave their names off the official report in case there was blowback – and there was --- at the Secretary of the Army level. I did a phenomenal job but found out the West Point handshake/influence goes deep in general officers ranks and with Sec Army. No regrets as I was 59 and clearly was not tolerant or supportive of the political winds in the military any longer. The years since have just proved to me that I would not have adjusted to the detrimental political correctness that now defines our government and DOD. Of note, our last set of military living quarters, 14 Staff Post Road Ft Sam Houston, was also the last set of army quartersfor a true American Hero – BG (Ret) Billy Mitchell. He commanded all allied flying forces in WWI and is credited with the creation of the US Air Force. Unfortunately for the military, he was a brilliant man of great integrity who refused to buckle under to intense political pressure from the president of the United States and senior military officers. Though he would later be proven correct in every conviction, he was brought up on Court Marshall charges, busted in rank to Colonel and put out of the Army while living in Staff Post #14. After his death, President FD Roosevelt posthumously promoted him to Major General and awarded him the Congressional Medal of Honor.
Criteria The Army Distinguished Service Medal may be awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the United States Army, performs exceptionally meritorious service in a duty of great responsi... The Army Distinguished Service Medal may be awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the United States Army, performs exceptionally meritorious service in a duty of great responsibility. The individual's performance must merit recognition for services which are clearly exceptional, and the performance of normal duties in an exceptional manner by itself will not justify an award of the Army Distinguished Service Medal MoreHide
Comments My end of Military Service Award after 40 years active duty. Significant to me because starting in 2021 a service member can only be buried at Arlington National Cemetery if they have a Purple Heart o... My end of Military Service Award after 40 years active duty. Significant to me because starting in 2021 a service member can only be buried at Arlington National Cemetery if they have a Purple Heart or a Sliver Star or higher and have served in combat. This award is above both the PH and SS so guess I can enter the grounds if I choose. MoreHide
Criteria The Legion of Merit is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States without degree for exceptionally outstanding conduct in the performance of meritorious service to the United States. ... The Legion of Merit is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States without degree for exceptionally outstanding conduct in the performance of meritorious service to the United States. The performance must merit recognition by individuals in a key position which was performed in a clearly exceptional manner. MoreHide
Best Moment Served as Commander Blanchfield Army Hospital Ft Campbell KY for 28 Months. I was told by the AMEDD I got this command because I was the only command select that had Aviator, Airborne and Air Assault Wings - everything this post was about. This was my favorite command because it was with the real army and on a warfighting post. Loved my boss, MG John Campbell (just like the post) the Division Commander of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), who ended up being the 4 Star Vice Chief of Staff of the Army. He loved it that I ran a great medical facility and was in charge of all things medical on post, ran with the troop, jumped with Special forces and flew helicopters with the 160th Special Operations Brigade. . Unfortunately, when MG Campbell deployed with the Division to Afghanistan for a year I ended up working for a rent-a-general and real sycophant who I respectfully refused to adore or back down from. MG Campbell still wrote my evaluations and he placed me at the top of his Command Colonels. Of the many accomplishments I enjoyed in this command the one I was most proud of was putting a professional running track complete with workout stations circling the entire hospital. Also, I planned the $50 million extension to the hospital that did come to pass.
Worst Moment
The day I realized I would never make BG because of AMEDD Politics! I was handsdown the most qualified on any scale and all knew it. Never a more bitter or disappointing moment in my 40 year career!
Best Moment Chief of Staff Ft Sam Houston and AMEDD Center & School: During this year MG Czerw and I were charged with planning the now Joint Medical Training Center and via BRAC spending $+ Billion construction of New Barracks, HQ, Training Facilities on post and Camp Bullis, Hotel and new PX! During this assignment my mother died in her sleep. A week after attending her funeral with family and friends like Jack Chambers, Jack himself died from a sudden heart attack. Six months into this job, I was selected to command the Medical Center at Ft Campbell KY.
Best Moment Served as Brigade Commander of the army’s largest training brigade for 24 months. We lived in Army Quarters #5 Staff Post Rd Ft Sam Houston during this period. The two star general lived on our right and the three star on the left. I was up every morning at o-dark 30 to do physical training with the troops. Enjoyed great subordinate battalion commanders, and a great XO and CSM at brigade headquarters. Along with the brigade duties I put great effort in establishing a Strategic Plan for the brigade and invested in a solid officer's professional development program that forced each battalion to conduct a professional "Staff Ride" exercise for all officers in the brigade. I also had a development program for all my battalion commanders. It was in this job that the commanding general of Ft Sam Houston selected me to be his Chief of Staff.
Criteria The Legion of Merit is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States without degree for exceptionally outstanding conduct in the performance of meritorious service to the United States. ... The Legion of Merit is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States without degree for exceptionally outstanding conduct in the performance of meritorious service to the United States. The performance must merit recognition by individuals in a key position which was performed in a clearly exceptional manner. MoreHide
Best Moment Arrived from Hawaii to Washington DC to attend Senior Service College. Just before starting school, I was promoted to full colonel at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. During the ceremony conducted by the Army Surgeon General, I took part in a ceremony where I got to help lay a wreath at the Tomb. The school was held at Ft McNair on the Potomac River across the field where the Lincoln conspirators where hung after Abraham Lincoln assassination in 1865. I took all my electives at the National War College. This year ICAF beat NWC in the big softball tournament. Years later ICAF’s name was changed to The Eisenhower School of National Resource Studies. During the school year I went with a group to the country of Panama to look at how the channel was built and how it was being modernized by China after Carter had given it back to Panama. This was thrilling as I had been stationed in Panama 20 years prior. The uniqueness of this education was the quality of instruction and the incredible talent of the Colonel students that had been selected from all services and select members from different agencies withing the US government. Of all the papers I wrote this year, one apparently stood out and became required reading at the Command and General Staff College. In the paper my thesis was that over time and for several reasons our general officer’s corps had become deeply political and tied to presidential administrations to the great detriment of our country’s national security. I was a big hit with my peers, but not so much with the general officer corps. No doubt this hurt my chances of being selected into the general officer ranks years later – which in my mind just proved again how correct my thesis was and is!
Other Memories
Senior Service College Resident Selectee - A less than 1% selection rate.
Best Moment Deputy Commander for Administration for largest free-standing Health Clinic in the Army. Got to hang with Brothers Craig Floro, Tom Bailey and Vinny Carranza. We lived across from the medical clinic on Schofield Barracks in an old, but spacious concrete home with palm trees and bird of paradise plants in the yard. We were located about a 15 min drive from the Hawaii's North Shore that was mostly pristine and home to the big world level suffering contest. At Schofield there was an Olympic-size outdoor pool and the PX was walking distance from our home. We had lots of visitors on this tour and enjoyed them all. Couldn’t believe Evi’s elder antes even came from Germany! I ran the administrative side of the mega-clinic and on occasion visited our small clinic on the big island of Hawaii. I also subbed on occasion for the XO and Chief of Staff at Tripler Medical Center located in Honolulu. We helped medically deploy the 25th Infantry Division to Afghanistan and Iraq combat theaters of operations. The last time the division deployed as a whole unit was to Vietnam in the 1960s, so the going was hard on all. Evi and I spent most weekends on Waikiki Beach, Bellows Beach, out on the ocean or swimming in the military pools and hanging with friends. In this assignment I was also selected to the rank of Colonel, Resident Senior Service College and Brigade Command. HOW DID WE EVER SCORE THIS ASSIGNMENT - TRULY AMAZING!
Best Moment A truly painful but rewarding command! Owned 1/3rd of US landmass plus Alaska, Hawaii, Guam and South Korea. Can you say Frequent Flyer Miles! Mention locations of Company HQs and traveling to open new recruiting stations in Alaska and Hawaii. Consequently, got to attend Larry Hallstrom's Aviation Change of Command in Alaska and walked the EFMB 12-mile road march there in Alaska with one of my company commanders to make sure he made the finish line. My job required me to travel every week to all the companies and stations in my command. We had a company HQ in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle and Denver and many other stations under these companies. Purchased our first house together. It overlooked a beautiful park and we had incredible mountain views. We had lot of visitors because we lived in Los Vegas. Hildegard and Marlesa came from Germany to visit. During this assignment my dad died at Bothwell Hospital at the age of 70. He spent the pervious 16 years working in that same hospital as a custodian. He and my mom are buried together in Sedalia Missouri.
Criteria The Meritorious Service Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces who distinguish themselves by outstanding noncombat achievement or by meritorious service to the United States, but not of a... The Meritorious Service Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces who distinguish themselves by outstanding noncombat achievement or by meritorious service to the United States, but not of a degree that would warrant the award of the Legion of Merit. MoreHide
Criteria The Meritorious Service Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces who distinguish themselves by outstanding noncombat achievement or by meritorious service to the United States, but not of a... The Meritorious Service Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces who distinguish themselves by outstanding noncombat achievement or by meritorious service to the United States, but not of a degree that would warrant the award of the Legion of Merit. MoreHide
Criteria The Meritorious Service Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces who distinguish themselves by outstanding noncombat achievement or by meritorious service to the United States, but not of a... The Meritorious Service Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces who distinguish themselves by outstanding noncombat achievement or by meritorious service to the United States, but not of a degree that would warrant the award of the Legion of Merit. MoreHide
Criteria The Meritorious Service Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces who distinguish themselves by outstanding noncombat achievement or by meritorious service to the United States, but not of a... The Meritorious Service Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces who distinguish themselves by outstanding noncombat achievement or by meritorious service to the United States, but not of a degree that would warrant the award of the Legion of Merit. MoreHide
Criteria The Meritorious Service Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces who distinguish themselves by outstanding noncombat achievement or by meritorious service to the United States, but not of a... The Meritorious Service Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces who distinguish themselves by outstanding noncombat achievement or by meritorious service to the United States, but not of a degree that would warrant the award of the Legion of Merit. MoreHide
Criteria The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement,... The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or meritorious service. MoreHide
Criteria The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement,... The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or meritorious service. MoreHide
Criteria The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement,... The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or meritorious service. MoreHide
Criteria The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement,... The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or meritorious service. MoreHide
Criteria The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement,... The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or meritorious service. MoreHide
Criteria The Army Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces below the rank of colonel who, while serving in any capacity with the Army in a noncombat area, distinguish themselves by outst... The Army Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces below the rank of colonel who, while serving in any capacity with the Army in a noncombat area, distinguish themselves by outstanding achievement or meritorious service, but not of a nature that would warrant the award of an Army Commendation Medal. MoreHide
Criteria The Army Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces below the rank of colonel who, while serving in any capacity with the Army in a noncombat area, distinguish themselves by outst... The Army Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces below the rank of colonel who, while serving in any capacity with the Army in a noncombat area, distinguish themselves by outstanding achievement or meritorious service, but not of a nature that would warrant the award of an Army Commendation Medal. MoreHide
Criteria The Army Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces below the rank of colonel who, while serving in any capacity with the Army in a noncombat area, distinguish themselves by outst... The Army Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces below the rank of colonel who, while serving in any capacity with the Army in a noncombat area, distinguish themselves by outstanding achievement or meritorious service, but not of a nature that would warrant the award of an Army Commendation Medal. MoreHide
Criteria The Army Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces below the rank of colonel who, while serving in any capacity with the Army in a noncombat area, distinguish themselves by outst... The Army Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces below the rank of colonel who, while serving in any capacity with the Army in a noncombat area, distinguish themselves by outstanding achievement or meritorious service, but not of a nature that would warrant the award of an Army Commendation Medal. MoreHide
Criteria The Army Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces below the rank of colonel who, while serving in any capacity with the Army in a noncombat area, distinguish themselves by outst... The Army Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces below the rank of colonel who, while serving in any capacity with the Army in a noncombat area, distinguish themselves by outstanding achievement or meritorious service, but not of a nature that would warrant the award of an Army Commendation Medal. MoreHide
Criteria The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who, after July 1, 1958, participate in specified United States operations or those in direct support of the United Natio... The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who, after July 1, 1958, participate in specified United States operations or those in direct support of the United Nations or friendly foreign nations MoreHide
Criteria The Armed Forces Reserve Medal is awarded to United States Armed Forces Reserve component members (or former members) who complete (or have completed) a total of ten years service. This service need n... The Armed Forces Reserve Medal is awarded to United States Armed Forces Reserve component members (or former members) who complete (or have completed) a total of ten years service. This service need not be consecutive, if it was performed within a period of twelve consecutive years. For the purpose of this award service as a member of a Reserve component MoreHide
Criteria The Overseas Service Ribbon is awarded to all active members of the Army, the Army National Guard, and to Army Reservists who are credited with a normal overseas tour completed since August 1, 1981 (p... The Overseas Service Ribbon is awarded to all active members of the Army, the Army National Guard, and to Army Reservists who are credited with a normal overseas tour completed since August 1, 1981 (provided they have an active Army status on or after August 1, 1981). This ribbon may not be awarded for overseas service recognized by another United States service medal. MoreHide
Criteria The Overseas Service Ribbon is awarded to all active members of the Army, the Army National Guard, and to Army Reservists who are credited with a normal overseas tour completed since August 1, 1981 (p... The Overseas Service Ribbon is awarded to all active members of the Army, the Army National Guard, and to Army Reservists who are credited with a normal overseas tour completed since August 1, 1981 (provided they have an active Army status on or after August 1, 1981). This ribbon may not be awarded for overseas service recognized by another United States service medal. MoreHide
Criteria The Overseas Service Ribbon is awarded to all active members of the Army, the Army National Guard, and to Army Reservists who are credited with a normal overseas tour completed since August 1, 1981 (p... The Overseas Service Ribbon is awarded to all active members of the Army, the Army National Guard, and to Army Reservists who are credited with a normal overseas tour completed since August 1, 1981 (provided they have an active Army status on or after August 1, 1981). This ribbon may not be awarded for overseas service recognized by another United States service medal. MoreHide
Criteria The Overseas Service Ribbon is awarded to all active members of the Army, the Army National Guard, and to Army Reservists who are credited with a normal overseas tour completed since August 1, 1981 (p... The Overseas Service Ribbon is awarded to all active members of the Army, the Army National Guard, and to Army Reservists who are credited with a normal overseas tour completed since August 1, 1981 (provided they have an active Army status on or after August 1, 1981). This ribbon may not be awarded for overseas service recognized by another United States service medal. MoreHide
Best Friends
Don Hall was a Godsend during this assignment. We spent lots of weekends together and he schooled me on the historic sites of DC and the many Civil War Battle Fields - lucky me!
Best Moment Arrived at this job at the request/order of COL Doug Hewitt who was a long time mentor of mine. I was totally opposed to this job/assignment/location in Washington DC, but as is the case with so many events in life, it proved to be a pivotal assignment. The work was totally unfamiliar and consumed me seven days a week for the two years I was there. Over time I cleaned up my attitude, embraced the responsibility and realized what an impact this position had on about 1000 Captains lives around the world and in helping shape the future of the Corps. Don’t think any job consumed me as much as this one. I made the assignments and school selections for all Captains across the Medical Service Corps. Pound for pound I think I learned more about the army and personnel command than from any other job – except perhaps my next job in Recruiting Command. I traveled around the world in a quest to educate those Captains about their critical options in managing their careers and doing as many on-on one interactions to negoiate their next assignments. I was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, was selected for Battalion Command and most importantly married Evi at the Chapel at Ft Belvoir and Reception at the Officers Club during this assignment. Sisters Carly and Sherrie and Isabell and Jennifer attended the promotion. Evi’s Father, Antes Hildegard and Marlesa attended the wedding from Germany as did Isabell, Jennifer, brother Dan and sister Sherrie. Scott Heintz was best man and many many wonderful friends attended. The day after the wedding Evi, her dad and antes flew back to Germany. Met fellow assignments officer and fellow Aviator Larry Hallstrom at this assignment. He served all the Lieutenants and occupied the cubical next to me. Larry ended up as a lifelong friend and we made every effort to workout together as much as possable! Never thought I would return to DC, but four years after leaving returned to attend Army War College at Ft McNair.
Criteria The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service... The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service during the current War on Terrorism. In addition, all members of the National Guard and Reserve who were part of the Selected Reserve in good standing between August 2, 1990, to November 30, 1995, are eligible for the National Defense Service Medal. In the case of Navy personnel, Midshipment attending the Naval Academy during the qualifying periods are eligible for this award, and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Midshipmen ae only eligible if they participated in a summer cruise that was in an area which qualified for a campaign medal. MoreHide
Criteria Individuals authorized the award of this medal must have participated in or served in support of Global War on Terrorism operations on or after September 11, 2001 and to a future date to be determined... Individuals authorized the award of this medal must have participated in or served in support of Global War on Terrorism operations on or after September 11, 2001 and to a future date to be determined. MoreHide
Best Friends
Executive Officer (XO) 421 Evacuation Battalion Wiesbadan Germany September 1998 - July 1999, Battalion had three UH-60 Helicopter (45 Aircraft) and one Ground Ambulance Company. 45th Air Ambulance Company in Katterbach (which I previousley commanded) the 232nd in Landstual (which I flew with in Desert Storm) the 159th commanded by Bill Layden and 557th Ground Ambulance both located at Wiesbanden with the 421st HQ. We won best Army Aviation unit two years in a row 1997 and 1998.
Criteria Thirty days continuous or accumulated service in direct support of NATO operations, on land, at sea or in the air spaces of the Former Yugoslavia, Albania, the Former Republic of Macedonia, and the Ad... Thirty days continuous or accumulated service in direct support of NATO operations, on land, at sea or in the air spaces of the Former Yugoslavia, Albania, the Former Republic of Macedonia, and the Adriatic Sea (the theatre of operations) commencing 1 July 1992 and ending 31 December 2002; or
Ninety days continuous or accumulated service commencing 1 July 1992 and ending 31 December 2002, in the territories of Italy, Greece, Hungary and Austria, in direct support of the NATO operations in the Former Yugoslavia (the adjacent area) MoreHide
Best Friends
Commander 45th Air Ambulance Company Katterback Germany May 1996 - August 1998. During my tenure the unit self deployed to many countries, the big ons being Bosina/Croatia/Hungary and later Eqypt for Bright Star. We deployed the entire unit to the Bosnia theater of operations - including 15 Blackhawks and crews, all rolling stock, people and equipment and set up operations in Hungary, Croatia and Bosina where my HQ was at the Blue Factory. We also did a deployment to Lithuwaina where I had the chance to fly out to the USN Comfort Medical Ship at sea in the Baltic to stay overnight to visit the ship's XO Paul Hoffman who was a Baylor classmate in 1992.
Best Moment
Having CPT Shaun Bailey selected as MSC Officer of the Year 1997 and then LT Mark Morris selected the second Year 1998. Had never happended befor or after to have back-to-back winners from the same unit. And these guys deserved it! We also played a big part in our Aviation Battalion (421st) win the LTG Ellis D. Parker Award for best Army Aviation Battalion in 1997 and 1998 in the Combat Service Support category! Also, in the 28 months in command we had no aviation accidents and won awards for safety! Also, forced some of my best Soldier runners to partricipate in the regional race that included two Aviation Brigades (1st Infantry and 11th Attack Regiment). You had to have a female on the team so my German girfriend Evi, later my wife, joined the team. Somehow we won first place and got a trophy for the unit as tall as Evi and all the soldiers got individule trophpies!
Criteria The Armed Forces Service Medal provides recognition to participants who deploy to the designated area of eligibility for the qualifying operation. Outstanding or meritorious performance of nondeployed... The Armed Forces Service Medal provides recognition to participants who deploy to the designated area of eligibility for the qualifying operation. Outstanding or meritorious performance of nondeployed or remotely located support units and individuals is not justification for award of this medal (such performance may be recognized by appropriate unit and/or individual decorations). MoreHide
Description Under Operation Determined Guard (starting in December 1996) US naval forces including surface combatants, intelligence-gathering attack submarines, and active and reserve maritime patrol aircraft opeUnder Operation Determined Guard (starting in December 1996) US naval forces including surface combatants, intelligence-gathering attack submarines, and active and reserve maritime patrol aircraft operated with NATO and the Western European Union to enforce the UN sanctions in the former Yugoslavia.
American participation in this Operation appears to have ended in 1998. By March 1999 Operation DETERMINED GUARD, the SFOR Maritime component, was built around a task force of 3 frigates and 7 minesweepers from Greece, Italy, and Turkey. These forces, together with the other NATO naval forces in the Mediterranean, were available or can be called upon to support the SFOR mission.
Best Moment Reported to the 95th Combat Support Hospital in Heidelberg in June 1993 after completing the academic phase of the Army-Baylor Masters Program. My first year in this assignment was spent completing the residency portion of the Baylor Program, which also included in researching/writing a Graduate Management Project. The commander was COL Sam Wilson and I worked directly for COL Jim Heckert. Both men were exceptional, and I loved working with and for them. I was the first student to ever get to do a Baylor Residency at the Heidelberg Hospital. I was also the firstin my Baylor class to finish my GMP which had to do with running models across the hospital to find the optimal way to increase patient access to every clinic. COL Wilson used the study to justify major shifts of departments and renovation projects across the hospital. In this year I also started and finished Command and General Staff College by correspondence – which I had put off for years, but which now I was barely able to complete before my timeline requirement ran out. In August of that year I was able to fly back to Texas and walk across the Baylor stage with Craig Floro and my now boss Gary McNeil. I also moved out of government quarters after splitting with ex and as fate would have it, Mike and Beth Messenger who I had known for may years moved into those same quarters. Mike was a Chaplin being stationed in Heidelberg. I moved to an apartment outside of Heidelberg and truly enjoyed it. I also bought a new BMW M3 and drove it everywhere for the next four years. Year two and three in this assignment I was the Chief, Clinical Support Division at the hospital which was now designated the Heidelberg MEDDAC. Soon after starting this job I met Evi who was working in the logistics division of the hospital. What an incredibly wonderful time we had and even managed to take a trip to Egypt and cruse down the Nile, Sky in Austria, Christmas in Vienna, party in Paris just to mention some of our travels. A very high point was coordinating with my sister Sherrie and bringing my mom to Germany for a visit. She had never driven a car and been on an airplane. We showed her the sites, took her to the big military ball which I was in charge of and even took her to Paris! Man, what a wonderful and life changing assignment!
Best Moment Army Baylor Master’s Program in Healthcare Administration. Two intense years of graduate academic classwork followed by “Orals Board” and then a one residency and a Graduate Management Project. Craig Flores, Gary McNeil and Steve Rhodes where my buddies in a class of about 35 made up of Army, Navy and Air Force Officers.
Best Friends Don’t know what to say except this was three crazy ass years!!! I became an Instructor for the Army Medical Department’s Officers Basic and Advanced Course. I joined a group of officers who it turned out where the best I have ever served with. Scott Heintz, Craig Floro, Brian Commons, Dave Patterson and Don Hall became best friends for life. Truly the most gifted, professional and dedicated men I ever served with. Scott and I also had flight slots so were able to check out and aircraft and fly missions on a regular basis – crazy. Scott and I also attended Airborne School at Ft Benning GA because there where jump slots as instructors. 34 and jumping out of planes – ouch! I earned my Expert Field Medical Badge ( only 14 out of 254 cadidates got the bage, but I was fully prepared for this one - and got it on my first try!). I also deployed to the Gulf War with the 236th Air Ambulance out of Germany. Upon my redeployment I served one more year in the Military Science Division and then was selected to attend The Army Baylor University Program in Healthcare Administration. It required an intense two years of graduate academic work crammed into one year and then a residency follow on year and yes – the big paper.
Criteria The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while partic... The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while participating in aerial flight, but not of a degree that would justify an award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. MoreHide
Comments
Try not to close your eyes when landing in and active minefield!
Criteria The Southwest Asia Service Medal is awarded for service in the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, that portion of the Arabian Sea that lies north of 10 degrees North latitude and west ... The Southwest Asia Service Medal is awarded for service in the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, that portion of the Arabian Sea that lies north of 10 degrees North latitude and west of 68 degrees East longitude, as well as the total land areas of Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Individuals serving between January 17, 1991, and November 30, 1995, in Israel, Egypt, Turkey, Syria, and Jordan (including their air space and territorial waters) are also eligible; however, they must have directly supported combat operations (e.g., embassy guards are not eligible). MoreHide
Criteria Service must have been performed in support of Operation Desert Storm and the liberation of Kuwait, between 17 January 1991 to 28 February 1991. Eligible areas include: The Persian Gulf, The Red Sea, ... Service must have been performed in support of Operation Desert Storm and the liberation of Kuwait, between 17 January 1991 to 28 February 1991. Eligible areas include: The Persian Gulf, The Red Sea, That portion of the Arabian Sea that lies north of 10 degrees north latitude and west of 68 degrees east longitude, The Gulf of Aden or The total areas of Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates In addition, those personnel must have: Been attached to or regularly serving for one or more days with an organization participating in ground and/or shore operations; Been attached to or regularly serving for one or more days aboard a naval vessel directly supporting military operations; Actually participated as a crew member in one or more aerial flights supporting military operations in the areas designated above; or, Served on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days during the qualifying period. Note: That time limitation may be waived for personnel who actually participated in combat operations. MoreHide
Criteria Awarded to members of the Military Coalition who served in support of Operation Desert Shield or Desert Storm in one or more of the following areas between 2 August 1990 and 31 August 1993: Persian Gu... Awarded to members of the Military Coalition who served in support of Operation Desert Shield or Desert Storm in one or more of the following areas between 2 August 1990 and 31 August 1993: Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, that portion of the Arabian Sea that lies north of 10 degrees north latitude and west of 68 degrees east longitude, as well as the total land areas of Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. MoreHide
Description Just after midnight on January 17, 1991 in the U.S., Bush gave the order for U.S. troops to lead an international coalition in an attack on Saddam Hussein’s army. U.S. General Norman Schwarzkopf led “Just after midnight on January 17, 1991 in the U.S., Bush gave the order for U.S. troops to lead an international coalition in an attack on Saddam Hussein’s army. U.S. General Norman Schwarzkopf led “Operation Desert Storm,” which began with a massive bombing of Hussein’s armies in Iraq and Kuwait. The ensuing campaign, which is remembered in part for the United States’ use of superior military technology, introduced the term “smart bombs” to the global vernacular—precision-bombing devices aimed primarily at destroying infrastructure and minimizing civilian casualties. In response, Hussein launched SCUD missiles into Saudi Arabia and Israel. Iraq’s use of SCUDs, notoriously inaccurate weapons designed to terrorize civilian targets, nearly succeeded in inciting the Israelis to retaliate. Hussein hoped an Israeli military response would draw neighboring Arab nations into the fight on Iraq’s side, but he again committed a grave miscalculation. Bush reassured Israelis that the U.S. would protect them from Hussein’s terrifying SCUD attacks and Israel resisted the urge to retaliate. Soon after, U.S. –installed Patriot missiles destroyed SCUD missiles in flight and further foiled Hussein’s plan to goad Israel into a holy war.
Following an intense bombing of Baghdad, U.S.-led coalition ground forces marched into Kuwait and across the Iraq border. Regular Iraqi troops surrendered in droves, leaving only Hussein’s hard-line Republican Guard to defend the capital, which they were unsuccessful in doing. After pushing Hussein’s forces out of Kuwait, Schwarzkopf called a ceasefire on February 28; he accepted the surrender of Iraqi generals on March 3.... More
Criteria The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service... The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service during the current War on Terrorism. In addition, all members of the National Guard and Reserve who were part of the Selected Reserve in good standing between August 2, 1990, to November 30, 1995, are eligible for the National Defense Service Medal. In the case of Navy personnel, Midshipment attending the Naval Academy during the qualifying periods are eligible for this award, and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Midshipmen ae only eligible if they participated in a summer cruise that was in an area which qualified for a campaign medal. MoreHide
Criteria The Southwest Asia Service Medal is awarded for service in the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, that portion of the Arabian Sea that lies north of 10 degrees North latitude and west ... The Southwest Asia Service Medal is awarded for service in the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, that portion of the Arabian Sea that lies north of 10 degrees North latitude and west of 68 degrees East longitude, as well as the total land areas of Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Individuals serving between January 17, 1991, and November 30, 1995, in Israel, Egypt, Turkey, Syria, and Jordan (including their air space and territorial waters) are also eligible; however, they must have directly supported combat operations (e.g., embassy guards are not eligible). MoreHide
Best Friends Before starting the Aviation Officers Advanced Course, I attended the butt kicking Air Assault School there at Ft Rucker and the very interesting and useful Aviation Safety Officers and Crash Investigation Course. I then started the Aviation Advanced Course for six months. Somehow, I graduated on the Commandants List, even though not an Aviation Branch Officer (I was MEDEVAC MS) and was also awarded The Ellis D. Parker Communication Award for writing the best Aviation Article that got published in Army Aviation Association Magazine - again, as a non Aviation Branch Officer!
Best Moment
Brother Dan flew down for a visit from Missouri. We drove to Disney World and had a great time. While there we ran into one of our High School Teachers, Herold Finkie. Staff Ride to Chichamoga Battlefield.
Worst Moment
Air Assault may have been the longest two weeks of my life! Less than half of the many hundereds that started graduated. Fun had by one and all!
Best Friends Being stationed at Howard Airforce Base in Panama out of flight school was an incredible experience. It was beautiful and from there my unit deployed to many countries over my three years there. I truly learned how to fly the Blackhawk and no BS, almost killed myself and others on multiple occasions! I was not in the unit for two weeks when I was shipped up to Honduras to fly missions for a couple of months. I flew drug interdiction missions in Bolivia and helped the country set up its own MEDEVAC unit. Flew operations in Ecuador and lived in a hotel with no windows in Tena Equator for months while flying missions. Also flew in Costa Rica, Columbia and visited almost every country in Central, South America and Caribbean Islands. I also attended Jungle Operations Training School and learned snakes taste great when your really hungry! Meet my very dear friend and fellow Aviator Brandt Secosh there. We flew with each other as much as possible and he was without doubt the best pilot I ever flew with – lucky me. The most incredible flying assignment anyone could get out of flight school! I raised a pet Toucan from a baby chick and experienced many things in many countries - Crazy!
Best Moment Many times during the week we would fly over and around islands we intended to do some sucbadiving at the next weekend. During our many diving trips where we stayed over night we would take lunch and dinner requests before diving to pick up the order. Once got caught under a hugh Waterfunnel and dove deep to get away. Also got caught in a cave one time and almost ran out of air. The night diving was cool, but a little creepy. Brandt Secosh was always the guid and did a great job. Also took military aircraft hops to most all countries in South America for vacation and the Virgin Islands and PR.
Best Friends This was arguably the hardest year of my life. After competing at the Officer’s Basic Course at Ft Sam Houston TX to be the only officer selected for Flight School from many hopful candidates, I struggled from a massive lack of confidence and knew zero about flying machines. Somehow, I survived and by the end of the year became confident enough to graduate high enough in my class to get one of only two Blackhawk Helicopter Transitions. In 1984 Blackhawks where still new and only a very few MEDEVAC units had them. I was given the choice of Korea or Panama as my first flying assignment and of course chose the tropics! Biggest thrill was having brother Dan, sisters Carla and Sherrie there for graduation and the pinning of Aviator Wings!
Criteria The Army Service Ribbon is awarded to members of the Regular Army, National Guard, or Army Reserve for successful completion of initial entry training. In the case of personnel who receive a Military ... The Army Service Ribbon is awarded to members of the Regular Army, National Guard, or Army Reserve for successful completion of initial entry training. In the case of personnel who receive a Military Occupational Specialty identifier based on civilian or other-service acquired skills, the ribbon is awarded upon honorable completion of four months active service. Only one award of this ribbon is authorized, even if an individual completes both officer and enlisted initial entry training. MoreHide
Criteria The Overseas Service Ribbon is awarded to all active members of the Army, the Army National Guard, and to Army Reservists who are credited with a normal overseas tour completed since August 1, 1981 (p... The Overseas Service Ribbon is awarded to all active members of the Army, the Army National Guard, and to Army Reservists who are credited with a normal overseas tour completed since August 1, 1981 (provided they have an active Army status on or after August 1, 1981). This ribbon may not be awarded for overseas service recognized by another United States service medal. MoreHide
Best Friends
Hooked up with lifelong friend Don Murphy. Dan stoped on way back from Korea and we revisited 29 Palms! Attend MC Mountain Course - ouch! Ear surgery and left Army after 7 years to start college with Don.
Best Moment I arrived at the Presidio San Francisco California from Heidelberg Germany in September 1977. It was absolutely beautiful as the Presidio sits on a hill overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge and the ocean. I was looking forward to being an MP, but CSM Cruz insisted I would run the Post Color Guard instead. I was very unhappy about this, but as with most things it turned out to be a really great gig and help make up my mind at the end of the assignment to get out of the army and go to college – which was the smartest thing I ever did. While in this assignment I attended the Marine Mountaineering School and took several coll;ege classes at San Francisco State. I also baought my first new car, a 1977 Red Camaro.
Criteria The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of conti... The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of continuous enlisted active service (normally three years in peacetime). MoreHide
Criteria The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of conti... The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of continuous enlisted active service (normally three years in peacetime). MoreHide
Best Friends
George Nehouse, Steve Nemocks, Alan Newsom
Best Moment
Arrived in October 1973 at age 19 from Military Police School at Ft Gordon Goriga. This assignment set the mold for my military career as I learned disipline, and enjoyed what it felt like being rewarded for standing out. The leaders, faces and young friendships here left the greatest impressions on me and I think of all often - though many are gone. Heidelberg became the most significant location of my life! It was here in 1976 I also attend, and graduated, French Commando School. It took place in parts of Germany and of course France and was for me perhaps the hardest physical training ever received. 50 very fit young military policemen went, but only 13 graduated. I really found out what pushing yourself beyound your limit was. It gets the Suck Meter Award for badges in my career!
Chain of Command
CPT Case and Then CPT Reading. CPT Reading was a Hard Case Infantry Vietnam Vet with the Silver Star and other combat awards. He had a great influence on me throughout my military career. He later retired as an LTC and bacame a Judge in the Ft Jackson NC area. In 2006 I met up with him and his wife for dinner while I was TDY at Ft Jackson. He was incredulas that I was then a full colonel and brigade commander. last time I saw him before that he was a CPT and I was a SGT 1976!
Best Friends Left “The Turkey Farm” for the army in May 1973 not long after somehow being gifted a high school diploma from Green Ridge High School. My Army Recruiter SSG King picked me up in his corvette to ship me off. I was not ready for the physical demands of basic training and believe in part because of the tiny feathers, dust and crap embedded in my lungs from working the turkey farm. That said, I was thrilled to be in the army and loved every day – mostly. My Training Company, Delta Five Three “Best Dam Company in BCT” occupied a “Tin Hut” with only a fan to cool us all in May-Aug. All our Drill Sergeants were Viet Nam Vets. My high point was qualifying Expert on the M-16. And of course getting clean sheets and a pillow to sleep on, three hots and a cot and a paycheck!!!
Criteria The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service... The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service during the current War on Terrorism. In addition, all members of the National Guard and Reserve who were part of the Selected Reserve in good standing between August 2, 1990, to November 30, 1995, are eligible for the National Defense Service Medal. In the case of Navy personnel, Midshipment attending the Naval Academy during the qualifying periods are eligible for this award, and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Midshipmen ae only eligible if they participated in a summer cruise that was in an area which qualified for a campaign medal. MoreHide
Deputy Chief, Medical Service Corps Sept 2011 - October 2011. This was an easy and hard assignment. Easy in that I enjoyed a robust staff and BG Dennis Doyle could not be easier to work for. I made the Colonel assignments and many other strategic decisions, and he always backed me up – even with his buddies. I put together a Strategic Planning Conference and we put together some good strategies for the Corps next three years. Assignment was hard in that I remained frustrated with the politics of the AMEDD and Army. Chief of Staff of the Army and Surgeon General voiced full support for getting me selected to General Officer, but in the end neither did. Some of this may have had to do with an investigation I was forced to do on the commander of Madigan Army Medical Center. It was a General Officer level 15-6, but TSG and Chief of Staff wanted me because they stated I would do the best job and I had no fear of high-ranking officers or reprisals. I was assigned two very sharp LTC Physicians to help me during the investigation but chose to leave their names off the official report in case there was blowback – and there was --- at the Secretary of the Army level. I did a phenomenal job but found out the West Point handshake/influence goes deep in general officers ranks and with Sec Army. No regrets as I was 59 and clearly was not tolerant or supportive of the political winds in the military any longer. The years since have just proved to me that I would not have adjusted to the detrimental political correctness that now defines our government and DOD. Of note, our last set of military living quarters, 14 Staff Post Road Ft Sam Houston, was also the last set of army quarters for a true American Hero – BG (Ret) Billy Mitchell. He commanded all allied flying forces in WWI and is credited with the creation of the US Air Force. Unfortunately for the military, he was a brilliant man of great integrity who refused to buckle under to intense political pressure from the president of the United States and senior military officers. Though he would later be proven correct in every conviction, he was brought up on Court Marshall charges, busted in rank to Colonel and put out of the Army while living in Staff Post #14. After his death, President FD Roosevelt posthumously promoted him to Major General and awarded him the Congressional Medal of Honor.