Courtesy Photo | From Left to Right: Col. Frederick Looper, Commander of the Medical Readiness Unit...... read more read more
On December 8, 2024, in a classroom at the Regional Training Institute in Bangor, Maine, a small group of Maine Army National Guard (MEARNG) members and guests gathered to witness Lt. Col. Joel Dunn’s impressive accomplishment of becoming the first Maine National Guard member inducted into the Order of Military Medical Merit (O2M3).
The Order of Military Medical Merit is a unique, private organization founded by the Commanding General of the U.S. Army Health Services Command in April 1982. The order serves to recognize excellence and promote fellowship and esprit de corps among Army Medical Department personnel. Induction into the order is a process requiring nomination, and a minimum of 15 years of service in the medical field.
Col. George Horsley, State Surgeon General, Massachusetts Army National Guard (MAARNG), and member of the Order bestowed the honor upon Dunn.
“He’s one of my mentors. I’m proud as a fellow physician’s assistant, fellow state surgeon general, and New Englander, to come up here and – not only to be the one to nominate him – but give him the official order as well.” Horsley said.
Dunn’s 33 years in the military includes 21 years with the Army Medical Department (AMEDD), where he consistently improves the organization and operations of the Maine Army National Guard’s Medical Readiness Unit (MRU). He’s implemented processes which improved medical readiness rates and the capability of the MRU to react efficiently to support training and operations within the State of Maine. Dunn also advocated and influenced the transformation of the MRU. His efforts at recruitment, retention and mentorship of highly qualified medical professionals into the organization established a medical team poised to provide a medically ready force to the MEARNG.
“It feels good to be recognized.” Dunn said, “When I was looking at the requirements, I thought the contributions to the medical field I and the unit was making were comparable to what the Order looks for.”
It’s historically difficult for a member of the National Guard to be inducted because the requirements are typically met while serving in an active-duty capacity Horsley explained.
“When it comes to New England, Dunn is a leader in the AMEDD field, and his influence extends to the National level. I think it’s important he be recognized, especially since all he does may not be apparent to everyone.”
Dunn and the MEARNG MRU have long held high national rankings in Soldier medical readiness. He is one of the few managers in the nation who regularly employs contracts for labs, PHAs, and case management.
Dunn’s efforts are recognized as “best practices” and presented on national platforms on how Maine and similar states can achieve high rates of medical readiness and to optimize how long Soldiers maintain that readiness.
| Date Taken: | 12.19.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 12.19.2024 13:10 |
| Story ID: | 487957 |
| Location: | BANGOR, MAINE, US |
| Web Views: | 247 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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