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First of its kind ceremony recognizes the contributions of civilian Airmen to Air Force Medicine

  • Published
  • By Surgeon General Office of Public Affairs
FALLS CHURCH, Va. --  The Directorate of Manpower, Personnel, and Resources in the Office of the Air Force Surgeon General held its first-ever Civilian Recognition and Promotion Ceremony on Tuesday, June 20, 2017, at the Defense Health Headquarters in Falls Church, Va.
  

Since the formation of the Air Force Medical Service in 1949, civilians have served honorably and been a vital segment of the Total Force structure. As AFMS missions have evolved in scope and complexity, so too have the roles of AFMS civilian Airmen. Medical civilians serve on the home front and overseas, supporting the full range of Air Force medical operations. 

Today’s civilian Airmen are focused on implementing the AFMS Surgeon General’s focus areas: full spectrum medical readiness, integrated operational support, Air Force Medical Home, and Trusted Care. Recognition of our dedicated civilian team members was timely, as it coincides with strategic initiatives to establish, grow, and develop a Civilian Corps co-equal with the AFMS’s five officer and one enlisted corps.

The presiding officials for this event were Brig. Gen. James J. Burks, Director, Manpower, Personnel, and Resources, accompanied by Dr. Tom Langdon, Deputy Director, Manpower, Personnel, and Resources and the AFMS Civilian Corps Chief.

The ceremony recognized the following individuals: Ms. Judy Wight (promoted to GS-09), Ms. Jahleen Wright (promoted to GS-13), Mr. Philip Drayton (promoted to GS-13), Mr. Rob Talcovitz (promoted to GS-15), and Ms. Patricia Dorsey (promoted to GS-15).  Ms. Linda Wyse received a Meritorious Civilian Service Medal, and Ms. Judy Wright received an Exemplary Civilian Service Medal. Finally, Ms. Amalia Bozoki received her 30 year service pin.

“As a 30 plus-year career civilian, I’ve never been a recognized in a formal civilian ceremony until today,” said Ms. Dorsey, AFMS Civilian Corps Director and Career Field Manager. “It was an honor to have been part of this first recognition ceremony highlighting the contributions of civilians to the Air Force mission.

“I’m in awe of the AFMS Civilian Corps. It is comprised of skilled and talented healthcare professionals, working alongside of their military counterparts on a daily basis. Clearly, this ceremony solidified the importance of this enduring partnership.”

Brig. Gen. Burks echoed the significance of the event.

“Today, we recognized some excellent civilians…but more significantly, we recognized civilian excellence in leading, managing, and administering our Air Force Medical Service,” said Burks. “Their efforts reflect a legacy of civil service, which dates back to the founding of our nation and flourishes today. Our AFMS Civilian Corps is reflective of that proud tradition, and will remain instrumental as we continue to advance our Total Force. I am proud to serve with each of these outstanding civil servants, as well as the thousands of our teammates whom they represent throughout Air Force Medicine!”