AFMS annual award winners recognized at Nursing Services Workshop Published June 26, 2012 By Maj. Kristen Johnson Headquarters AF Nursing Services WASHINGTON -- The opening ceremonies for the 2012 Executive Leadership Symposium kicked off recently related the theme "Back to Basics: The Art and Science of Nursing", conveying a comprehensive approach to nursing care. The agenda included an awards ceremony where Air Force Medical Service (AFMS) attendees recognized outstanding members of the Nursing and Medical Enlisted Corps. The primary objective of the AFMS awards program is to recognize those that have made exceptional contributions to health care, education, training, research, leadership, information technology and communications. The awards ceremony saluted six distinguished Nurse Corps officers and four outstanding Medical Enlisted Corps members for their achievements in various specialties and categories; each of the award recipients have made contributions to the practice of military medicine and have served as role models for others within the nursing services profession. Tech. Sgt.Robert W. Wick, Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) in charge of the Orthopedic Clinic at Lackland AFB, Texas, accepted his award as the Outstanding Surgical Service NCO of the Year with gratitude. "After 17 years in the service, it has shown me that patience and hard work will pay off. Winning is awesome, but if I had not won or made it, the fact my supervisor, leadership and fellow Airmen would nominate me is a great honor and means so much," said Wick. "I am sincerely grateful for all of the great training and support I have received throughout my career." On hand to present the awards were Dr. Karen Guice, Principle Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs; Lt. Gen. Charles B. Green, Air Force Surgeon General, and Maj.Gen. Kimberly Siniscalchi, Air Force Assistant Surgeon General, Medical Force Development and Nursing Services, along with Chief Master Sergeant Charles R. Cole, Chief, Medical Enlisted Force and Chief Master Sergeant Cleveland Wiltz, Aerospace Medical Service Career Field Manager. The prestigious group presented each award recipient with their annual trophy and inspired all to empower patients, exercise efficiency, embrace innovation and most of all educate each other with lessons from throughout the AFMS in order to provide high-quality care everytime, everywhere. As General Siniscalchi stated, "We have so many outstanding Airmen, choosing just one was extremely challenging. Each award winner truly stands out as a leader among leaders and has contributed greatly to the success of the AFMS." Tech. Sgt. Wick added, "I do the best I can every day, not to win awards, but to be part of an elite team. This award just proves that I am a part of a well oiled machine." A roundup of the award recipients and their accomplishments include: Lt Col Tressa Salter, Outstanding Excellence in Nursing Leadership; Maj Kimberly Hopkins, Privileged Advanced Practice Nurse Award; Maj Betty A. Venth, Outstanding Achievement in Nursing Force Development; Major Christopher Goodenough, Excellence in Nursing-Field Grade Officer, Major John C. McLennan, Excellence in Nursing-Company Grade Officer; Mrs. Julia Crissinger, Civilian Nurse of the Year; Staff Sergeant Stephanie M. Dean, Outstanding Aerospace Medicine Airman of the Year; Staff Sergeant Jack A. Williams, Outstanding Aerospace Medicine NCO of the Year; Senior Airman Chelsea M. Kemper, Outstanding Surgical Service Airman of the Year; and Technical Sergeant Robert W. Wick, Outstanding Surgical Service NCO of the Year. USAF. (U.S. Air Force Graphic by Rosario "Charo" Gutierrez) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res USAF. (U.S. Air Force Graphic by Rosario "Charo" Gutierrez)