Photo By Brian Barbour | Command Sgt. Maj. Frank A. Grippe, command sergeant major for Multi-National Corps -...... read more read more
Subscribe
JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq — Staff Sgt. Jason C. Russo, the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center patient liaison officer, was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal at the 3d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) headquarters, July 22.
An Army Reservist from Deltona, Fla., Russo spent the last two years as an LNO at LRMC, first for the 316th ESC and then the 3d ESC.
Brig. Gen. Michael J. Lally, commanding general, 3d ESC, commended Russo on his dedication in supporting injured Soldiers and their families. Since the 3d ESC arrived in theater in June 2008, Russo assisted more than 970 patients and nonmedical attendees as they received treatment at LRMC.
"The first job of any noncommissioned officer is taking care of Soldiers, and that's been my job as an LNO—taking care of wounded warriors," Russo said.
A military police officer and a corrections officer back home, Russo said he had to quickly adjust to a new, unfamiliar mission, admitting he didn't know what an LNO did until he was assigned to the task.
An LNO, Russo explained, serves as "a facilitator—a bridge between the 3d ESC, the patient and the hospital."
Russo said he assisted patients with records, finance and administrative functions. He arranged travel for family members, provided timely identification and accountability of patients, updated units and, when necessary, served as a patient advocate.
The biggest challenge was maintaining communications with units in Iraq, but the 3d ESC and its subordinate brigades did a great job supporting him, he said. Everyone knew "providing consistent, compassionate care for Soldiers [was] the right thing to do," he said.
After two years of service as an LNO, Russo said the opportunity to take care of wounded Soldiers had been one of the most rewarding assignments of his career.
"It's been a tremendous experience to be able to facilitate the needs of those Soldiers," he said.
The LRMC, which is located in Germany, is the largest American hospital outside the continental United States and the principal medical center for Soldiers wounded in Iraq or Afghanistan.
The Meritorious Service Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through outstanding noncombat service to the United States. Previous recipients include Arizona Senator John McCain, Gen. Wesley Clark (ret.) and Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf (ret.).
| Date Taken: | 07.22.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 08.09.2009 08:44 |
| Story ID: | 37309 |
| Location: | BALAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 234 |
| Downloads: | 158 |
This work, NCO looks after Soldiers, Families in Germany, by SPC Kiyoshi Freeman, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
