HQDA is pleased to announce the National IMAGE (Military) Award Recipients for 2013 is: Staff Sgt. Jerry M. McKissen Jr., U.S. Army Medical Command, U.S. Army Dental Activity, senior dental sergeant. McKissen distinguished himself by making significant contributions to the country in the area of Equal Opportunity/Equal Employment Opportunity, Civil Right Programs, and public service to his local community.
McKissen has distinguished himself by continually making significant contributions to America in the areas of equal opportunity and public service both within the civilian community and the United States Army.
McKissen serves as the equal opportunity (EO) leader for the Fort Sam Houston Dental Activity. In this role he advises the commander on all EO matters pertaining to 41 Soldiers, 108 Department of Army (DA) Civilians, and 11 Contract Service Providers. His efforts were instrumental in ensuring a healthy command climate free of discrimination, harassment, and hostility.
He has provided quarterly EO training to all Soldiers and employees assigned to the organization for the past twelve months. His enthusiastic style of presentation and intuitive selection of topics have ensured that all training was relevant and interesting. His training has established EO as a top priority in the minds of all employees, enabling unit members to identify potential issues at the lowest level, resulting in no formal complaints within the command.
He also manages a diverse workforce as the Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC) of the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic at Brooke Army Medical Center. As part of his duties, he assists in the administration of a joint service oral and maxillofacial surgery residency program, the largest such program in the Department of Defense. His patient population includes numerous Wounded Warriors, many of whom have returned from overseas contingency operations to recuperate from battle injuries. These Soldiers and their Families are under considerable stress and McKissen's steadfast leadership and sterling example ensure that his staff understands and applies the principles of diversity and equality, minimizing the probability of adverse encounters. In fact, his clinic recently achieved a 100% patient satisfaction rating based on responses to patient surveys. His steadfast commitment to equality and diversity has resulted in a pleasant work environment among employees of vastly different backgrounds.
The distinctive accomplishments of McKissen reflect great credit upon him, the United States Army, and make him most deserving of the National IMAGE Meritorious Service Award.
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