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RALEIGH, NC - May 13-16, 2024, kicked off the annual Special Operations Medical Association conference. The SOMA conference is one of the largest gatherings of U.S. Special Operations medical providers in the United States. This week, medics, surgeons, doctors, and more had the chance to share their experiences and new technologies. Attendees had the chance to witness inductees who have had a monumental hand in today's military medic training get inducted into the Medical Hall of Honor. Visitors participated in the most high-caliber medical classes and met with notable personnel who attended the event.
SOMA was established in 1992. A few years prior, a group of individuals at Fort Bragg, now Fort Liberty, NC, provided a "Proof of concept" to the idea of developing and hosting an annual Special Forces medically focused meeting that provided updated medical information for Special Forces (SF) Medics and those Special Operations medical personnel assigned to what came to be known in 1989 as the United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) at Fort Bragg, NC. In 1992, with guidance from the USASOC Command Surgeon, the founding members directed his staff to establish a meeting much like the annual meetings first held in 1987. Later that year, the founding members formally held their first annual meeting at the Prince Charles Hotel in Fayetteville, NC, and established SOMA as a 501c non-profit. Before SOMA was registered as an official non-profit organization in 1992, the first and second Joint International Special Operations Medical Conference (JISOMC) was held in 1987 and 1988 at the United States Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center & School (USAJFKSWCS) at Fort Bragg, NC.
Master Sgt. Ret. John Dominguez, the current president of SOMA, articulates the organization's dynamic evolution. While the original focus was to increase and develop collaboration between medics and physicians both domestically and internationally, the main goal for SOMA is now to enhance the medical education of the U.S. Special Operations medics and other providers to deliver a U.S. standard of care anywhere in the world. This shift in focus demonstrates SOMA's adaptability and forward-thinking approach. SOMA was able to achieve its future goal during the 2024 SOMA conference.
"This year, we are having our first international Board of Surgeons meeting and international Medical Enlisted Advisory Council meeting, marking a significant milestone in our journey," said Master Sgt. Ret. John Dominguez.
During this unique gathering, medics from all over the world, including the military and civilians, have the privilege to participate in networking, training, and exchanging experiences of their time in the military and real-world scenarios. This event, which attracts over 800 vendors, provides a platform for sharing ideas and the latest technology. With over 30 countries, including New Zealand, Ireland, England, Germany, Poland, Ukraine, Norway, Italy, Belgium, Spain, and Portugal, participating, the conference truly fosters a global community of medical professionals. The attendees, who are at the forefront of medical advancements, are able to participate in essential education classes, further enhancing their skills and knowledge and contributing to the global standard of care.
Master Sgt. Ret. John Dominguez says, "By our laws, 50% of presentation labs have to be led by Non-Commissioned Officers, unlike other medical conferences led today."
During the opening ceremony of the SOMA conference, the following individuals were inducted into the medical hall: Colonel Warner D. Farr, United States Army (Retired), was an enlisted officer for special operations who served over 46 years in the military. Col. Warner D. Farr provided frontline care to wounded personnel during the conflicts in Vietnam and Afghanistan. He was pivotal in developing innovative medical equipment and Tactical Combat Casualty Care guidelines.
Captain Frank K. Butler, United States Navy (Retired), distinguished himself during a lifetime of service to the United States and Special Operations Forces in varying assignments, culminating as the Command Surgeon for the United States Special Operations Command and as the Chair of the Committee on Tactical Combat Casualty Care. Capt. Butler and colleagues developed the concept of Tactical Combat Casualty Care in 1996.
Chief Warrant Officer 4 William D. Donovan, United States Army (Retired), served 28 years in the United States and Special Operations Forces as an enlisted and Chief Warrant Officer. CW4 William D. Donovan was awarded a Purple Heart after saving many lives during his time in Vietnam with the 5th Special Forces Group's Operational Detachment A-105.
Captain James C. Fisher United States Army, Capt. Fisher gave steadfast medical support to rangers, American prisoners, and locals during World War 2. His heroic efforts to establish a forward surgical station were instrumental in saving civilians and military personnel.
Sergeant Major F. Y. Bowling, United States Army (Retired), served 29 years in the United States and Special Operations Forces in varying assignments, culminating as the United States Special Operations Command's Senior Enlisted Medical Advisor. During his time, he developed new methods for Tactical Combat Casualty Care and Special Operations Forces medical emergency protocols. He conducted Special Unit operations, operations other than war, and executed classified assignments worldwide.
Colonel Robert L. Mabry, United States Army (Retired), served more than 35 years supporting Special Forces Operations as the commander of the Joint Medical Augmentation Unit. He is the leading inventor in the development of novel medical equipment and guidelines for the provision of Tactical Combat Casualty Care. He cared for wounded personnel during the conflict in Somalia and Afghanistan.
Colonel Russ S. Kotwal S., United States Army (Retired), supported Special Operations assignments with the 75th Ranger Regiment during his military career. He is recognized for his commendable achievements in military medicine and was the driving force behind the saving of many lives in the Special Operations medical community, including the Pre-Hospital Trauma Registry. Col. Kotwal is responsible for establishing, implementing, and progressing Tactical Combat Casualty Care.
Master Sergeant Harold R Montgomery, United States Army (Retired), significantly changed tactical medicine. He enhanced the standards of training for medics so that they could save lives on the battlefield. He is the leading figure who developed the Ranger First Responder program.
Lieutenant Colonel Stephen M. Delellis, United States Army (Retired), LT. Col. Stephen M. Delellis served as an evolutionary leader in mild traumatic brain injuries, neurocognitive testing, and high-altitude illness prevention. He earned a Silver Star during the GOTHIC SERPENT operation after conducting sixteen combat operations during six conflicts. LT. Col. Stephen M. Delellis was appointed Deputy Surgeon for a United States Army Special Missions Unit. During his time, he guided an exuberant amount of personnel while supporting high-value target missions. His contributions to the medical field have reshaped the way the United States Army and the Special Operations Community handle traumatic brain injuries and cognitive decline.
These inductees, who have demonstrated a history of significant service and medical achievements within the SOF community, have provided casualty care to personnel in almost every conflict throughout the last decade, including significant campaigns in Vietnam, Somalia, Panama, Desert Storm, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Their contributions have significantly improved the quality of life for SOF, serving as a testament to the high ethical and medical standards the attendees uphold.
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| Date Taken: | 05.13.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 05.31.2024 08:44 |
| Story ID: | 472464 |
| Location: | RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 86 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
This work, Special Operation Medical Association Inducts 2024 Hall of Fame Members, by SGT Justice McDonald, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
