Maj. Gen. Jeffrey S. Buchanan, Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region/U.S. Army Military District of Washington commanding general hosted an award ceremony at Fort Lesley J. McNair to recognize the efforts of the Army Ten-Miler team, 29 Oct.
Certificates of Appreciation were awarded to Stefani M. Beale, Gia Bower, Heather R. Boyd, and Earl McKnight for their outstanding performance of duty over the past year planning, coordinating and achieving outstanding results culminating in the highly successful running of the 29th Army Ten-Miler.
Buchanan awarded the Department of the Army Achievement Medal for Civilian Service to Nancy B. Brandon for her performance on the Army Ten-Miler team. Brandon demonstrated outstanding leadership in strategically reinforcing the Army Ten-Miler brand and overseeing the development of the new website.
James A. Vandak was presented the Commander's Award for Civilian Service by Buchanan. Vandak exhibited exemplary skill and versatility in overcoming the challenges presented by the government shutdown. His hard work and expert management resulted in a successful Army Ten-Miler.
"The Army Ten-Miler is produced by the U.S. Army Military District of Washington and all proceeds benefit Army Morale, Welfare, and Recreation programs. To date, the race has generated $4 million for Army MWR," said James A. Vandak, Army Ten-Miler director. "This year, 35,000 runners registered in a record 20 hours to compete for top honors in the third largest 10-mile running event in the world. ATM is the only race to start and finish at the Pentagon."
"The MDW command works on planning and coordinating the Army Ten-Miler with internal and external partners throughout the year," said Vandak. "After completing the After Action Report in early November planning immediately begins for the next Army Ten-Miler".
"In 2014 we will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Army Ten-Miler," said Vandak. "The race date is set for October 12, 2014."
Rear Adm. Boris D. Lushniak, M.D. M.P.H. the Acting United States Surgeon General, joined Buchanan at the ceremony. Dr. Lushniak presented the entire Army Ten-Miler team with a Certificate of Appreciation from the Office of the Surgeon General.
"The Office of the United States Surgeon General and the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps is dedicated to promoting and advancing the health and safety of our nation," said Dr. Lushniak. "In essence, the Army Ten-Miler team exemplifies the Surgeon General's vision of a healthy and fit nation by taking leadership, showing dedication and commitment to improving our nation's health."
There currently are more than 6,700 Public Health Service officers on active duty. Officers are assigned to all of the PHS Agencies and to a number of outside agencies, including the Bureau of Prisons, U. S. Coast Guard, Environmental Protection Agency, Health Care Financing Administration, and the Commission on Mental Health of the District of Columbia.
"I am delighted and invigorated that for the past four years the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps has been able to work with Mr. Jim Vandak and his team in the inclusion of our Uniformed Service in this special and patriotic event," said Dr. Lushniak. "This year we had a team of about 100 sign up for the Army Ten-Miler, Commissioned Corps Officers that came from as far as Alaska to join the run; next year we hope to have 200!"
"We look forward to the continued relationship between the Office of the Surgeon General and the Army Ten Miler team!" said Dr. Lushniak.
For more information about U.S. Army Military District of Washington, the Office of the Surgeon General and the Army Ten-Miler please visit the related links.
Related Links:
U.S. Army Military District of Washington
Photos from the 2013 Army Ten Miler
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