US Army Medical Department Center and School, US Army Health Readiness Center of Excellence, earns A

By Maria Esther GarciaApril 2, 2015

US Army Medical Department Center and School, US Army Health Readiness Center of Excellence, earns Army Star Strong Flag
1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Maj. Gen. Jimmie Keenan, deputy commanding general (operations), US Army Medical Command and chief, US Army Nurse Corps, Maj. Gen. Steve Jones, commanding general, US Army Medical Department Center and School, US Army Health Readiness Center of Excel... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
US Army Medical Department Center and School, US Army Health Readiness Center of Excellence, earns Army Star Strong Flag
2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Left, Maj. Gen. Jimmie Keenan, deputy commanding general (operations), US Army Medical Command and chief, US Army Nurse Corps, Maj. Gen. Steve Jones, commanding general, US Army Medical Department Center and School, US Army Health Readiness Center of... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
US Army Medical Department Center and School, US Army Health Readiness Center of Excellence, earns Army Star Strong Flag
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Maj. Gen. Jimmie Keenan, deputy commanding general (operations), US Army Medical Command and chief, US Army Nurse Corps, presented the Certificate of Recognition to Maj. Gen. Steve Jones, commanding general, US Army Medical Department Center and Scho... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

SAN ANTONIO, TX - The US Army Medical Department Center and School, US Army Health Readiness Center of Excellence, embarked on a two year journey to earn the coveted Army Star Strong Flag safety award.

The Army Safety and Occupational Health Star Site Flag is an Occupation Safety and Health Act based program which recognizes organizations for excellence in safety management.

The journey began with a visit from the US Army Medical Command Safety Office in January 2013. From the initial visit a total of 243 action items were completed prior to being assessed for star status. Organizations were evaluated in subjects such as management leadership and employee involvement, worksite analysis, hazard prevention and control, and safety and health training. The final assessment was accomplished in January 2015 with the recommendation for the Department of Defense Voluntary Protection Program Star status.

On March 27, at Blesse Auditorium, Willis Hall, AMEDDC&S, HRCoE, on behalf of the Army Surgeon General Lt. Gen. Patricia Horoho, Maj. Gen. Jimmie Keenan, Deputy Commanding General (Operations), US Army Medical Command and Chief, US Army Nurse Corps, presented the Army Star Strong Flag and Certificate of Recognition to Maj. Gen. Steve Jones, commanding general, AMEDDC&S, HRCoE, for successful completion of the requirements for recognition as an Army Safety and Occupational Health Star Site.

Keenan said, "It is an honor to be here on behalf of the Surgeon General. I have to give huge accolades to all of you. What you have accomplished is monumental. You are the first educational institution to receive this award."

She said, "When you think of the 59,000 people year round that come in and out of here, plus the staff, and you are 80% below the benchmark for accidents, which is good, that is how well you all have embraced the culture of safety."

"You listen to each other and identify where you can improve, and ensure that everyone understands the importance of safety, not just an officer or noncommissioned officer responsibility but even the youngest PV1 that is down at AIT(advanced individual training). You value the entire team. Congratulations for achieving this status."

AMEDDC&S, HRCoE, Safety Office staff members, 1st Lt. Ashley Denoyer, Melissa Hastings, Joel Zoucha, Juan Garcia, Dr. Rita Creitoff-Rodriguez and Julius Chan received the Commander's Superior Performance Award for their outstanding performance during the final evaluation for the safety award.

Melissa Hastings, AMEDDC&S, HRCoE, safety manager, said, "The Army Star Strong award was a team effort. Our safety management system continues to grow and evolve due to the efforts and innovative ideas of each and every employee. Our leadership at every level makes safety a priority and our employees are fully engaged in making our workplace safe."