RHC-P staff awarded for medical readiness contribution

Photo By Ana Allen | HONOLULU, Hawaii (July 9, 2018) --- Commanding General of Regional Health Command-Pacific (RHC-P), Brig. Gen. Dennis LeMaster, inducts Sgt. First Class Kristen Stalls, Public Health Command-Pacific Soldier as one of four new members into Army Medicine’s prestigious Order of the Military Medical Merit, also known as O2M3. Founded in 1982 by the Commanding General of the U.S. Army Health Service Command, the honor recognizes people who have served in the Army Medical Department and through selflessness, have made a sustained contribution to the betterment of Army Medicine.  

HONOLULU, HAWAII, UNITED STATES

07.09.2018

Story by Ana Allen 

Medical Readiness Command, Pacific

HONOLULU, Hawaii (July 9, 2018) --- Regional Health Command-Pacific (RHC-P) inducts four new members into prestigious Order of the Military Medical Merit, also known as O2M3.

Founded in 1982 by the Commanding General of the U.S. Army Health Service Command, the honor recognizes people who have served in the Army Medical Department and through selflessness, have made a sustained contribution to the betterment of Army Medicine.

RHC-P Commanding General, Brig. Gen. Dennis LeMaster, spoke during the ceremony and emphasized the significance of the award and the arduous selection process. “This award is a big deal and very hard to attain. You’ve had to prove yourselves with contributions having been…recognized, codified, presented and decided upon,” Lemaster said as he congratulated recipients.

The region’s newest inductees, Master Sgt. James Falls and Sgt. First Class Kristen Stalls from Public Health Command-Pacific, as well as Sgt. First Class Monias Allen and Anton Smith from Regional Health Command-Pacific demonstrated high standards of integrity, moral character and professional competence, earning them the award.

“Every day I try and do something that inches me closer to a better tomorrow. For me…I’m just doing my job and doing it to my best ability. But to have someone take notice and think me worthy of such an award is a huge surprise and a special honor,” Allen said.

Falls also shared his sentiment in receiving the medal. “This award is an achievement that a lot of people strive for…the pinnacle of awards in Army Medicine and to be approved and accepted into this very small and professional community is an honor for me,” said Stalls.

Stalls, who thanked RHC-P Soldier, Master Sgt. Kevin Edmondson for the nomination, says she hopes that earning the recognition provides an example for other Soldiers. “I am so thankful and am honored. This is an opportunity to inspire other Soldiers to go above and beyond and find opportunities where you can do more than what’s required,” Stalls added.

Smith, who is now the Hospital Administrator and Chief Executive Officer at Shriners Hospitals for Children, a Pediatric Specialty Care non-profit, expressed his appreciation for the recognition. "I am honored to have received this prestigious award and am deeply humbled to be counted among such a high caliber group of Soldiers and civilians, stated Smith. "As a former RHC-P team member, I'm keenly aware of the positive impact Army Medicine is making and am looking forward to our ongoing partnerships between Shriners and Tripler," added Smith in reference to Tripler pediatric orthopedic residential training opportunities provided by Shriners.

• Date Taken: 07.09.2018
• Date Posted: 07.11.2018 23:28
• Story ID: 283915
• Location: HONOLULU, HAWAII, US
• Hometown: BROOKLYN, NEW YORK, US
• Hometown: SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS, US
• Hometown: WALKERTOWN, NORTH CAROLINA, US