Captain Marie Ortiz Clinic

Photo By Cpl. Aaron Scheer | U.S. Army 1st Lt. Brisson, Capt. Marie Ortiz Consolidated Clinic officer in charge and, Sgt. 1st Class Tara Taylor, clinic non-commissioned officer in charge in front of the newly named clinic in the International Zone, Iraq.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

08.26.2009

Story by Cpl. Aaron Scheer 

1st Medical Brigade

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Women's Equality month happened to fall this year in the month that a clinic was renamed in a nurse's honor. The Captain Marie Inez Ortiz Combined Clinic in the International Zone, formerly known as the Prosperity Clinic, is in memory of the second Army nurse to ever be killed in combat, and to the legacy of the clinic as it has weathered the transitions and hardships in Iraq for the past six years. The clinic represents not only the hard work and dedication of its many Soldiers who make things happen, but, more importantly, the fundamental role of women in the Army. There are women filling most military occupational specialties, deployed all over the globe from the most junior Soldier to the most senior officer.

Appropriately enough, the Captain Marie Ortiz Consolidated Clinic is operated by two women — 1st Lt. Corrie Brisson, the officer in charge, and Sgt. 1st Class Tara Taylor, the non-commissioned officer in charge. The two make a unique pair, leading the way in quality care for all coalition forces. They are a testament to the contributions of our women in uniform today.

Brisson said "I see this as a true representation of the crucial roles of women in the Army. It was a woman who gave her life, it is women who give their lives for their country, and it is myself and my NCOIC who have charge over this clinic in the International Zone. There are six different unified units within the small clinic that work together to complete the mission."

Sgt. 1st Class Tara Taylor said "This is the impossible dream, no one thought that creating this clinic in such a short time would be possible."

Through teamwork, and a combined enduring spirit, the six cohesive units within the clinic perform admirably both in transition and daily operations. In theater, we see the best in our Soldier's and the best in our leadership. The Army has always led the way in Women's Rights - having women in uniform and promoting a positive work environment which allows people of all colors and creeds to work together. Working together to complete the mission is what allows the Army to be a successful organization. Through the individual sacrifices of women like Capt. Marie Ortiz, the Army will leave a proud legacy. Women all over the world can be proud of the daily sacrifices made by the Women serving in the United States Army as they create success by embodying the values upon which this country was founded.

• Date Taken: 08.26.2009
• Date Posted: 08.26.2009 16:16
• Story ID: 37994
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ