FORT HOOD, Texas - Two Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center staff members were among several Fort Hood Soldiers and civilians and local community members who received awards at the recent "Hood Heroes" award ceremony held Nov. 16 at Club Hood.
The "Hood Hero" award recognizes individuals and teams for their contributions to Fort Hood to promote innovation and performance excellence post-wide. At the quarterly ceremony, units and organizations may present other awards to recognize their personnel.
Dr. Evelyn Morning, staff physician in CRDAMC's Obstetrical/Gynecology clinic, was selected by the Civilian Personnel Advisory Center Employee of the Quarter Board as the winner in the GS category. Morning was nominated for displaying exceptional care and support during an especially emotional event at the hospital.
According to Maj. Andrena Dabbs, head nurse at the 3 South Medical Surgical Ward, a patient lost her 20-week old unborn baby, which was a truly traumatic event for the patient and the first of its kind the ward staff had experienced.
"When something like that happens, not only is the patient devastated, but it also affects everyone involved. Dr. Morning responded right away and handled it all so well," Dabbs said. "She showed such kindness in consoling the patient and staff. She cried along with us. Everyone involved was impressed with how quickly she responded. She knew just what to do and we are all grateful for her knowledge, expertise and her genuineness of care, which helped us get through such a sad event."
Showing that you genuinely care about the well-being of those you serve is also what earned Cheryl Turner her Interactive Customer Evaluation Customer Service "Warrior" award. Turner, CRDAMC's patient advocate, was recognized for her kindness and concern for patients and their families that transcended her normal job duties.
As a patient advocate, Turner works hard to help resolve patients' issues and complaints, according to Staff Sgt. Jeremy Puryear, non-commissioned officer-in-charge of CRDAMC Customer Service.
"Her job is definitely difficult and often thankless. Even though she helps resolve complaints, she never complains. She shows such compassion and care toward everyone," Puryear said.
"During the tragedy that struck our community on Nov. 5, 2009, she used her own money to buy snacks and drinks for victims' families and other CRDAMC staff and visitors. She will stay late at work (without expecting compensation) just to help out a distraught family member or Soldier."
Although not a CRDAMC employee, Joe Brown, athletic coordinator for the Harker Heights Parks and Recreation Dept. has touched the lives of many Soldiers in CRDAMC's Warrior Transition Brigade. Brown was awarded the Hood Hero award for Community Support to Fort Hood for his efforts in promoting the physical and mental healing of the WTB Soldiers through team sports.
"Through his program, Soldiers experienced the rewards of being part of a team and learned that sportsmanship and effort outweighed any physical ability. His encouragement, and just the overall positive spirit of the programs, lifted the Soldiers' self esteem and reinforced the healing process from medical professionals through the mind, body and soul," said Maj. Eric Snyder, operations officer from the 1st Battalion, Warrior Transition Brigade.
"An added bonus was that by getting the Soldiers out and involved in the community, it helps them see how everyone cares about and supports them. The community then can see how our injured Soldiers are pushing themselves to the limit, working hard every day to overcome challenges."
The next "Hood Heroes" award ceremony is planned for Feb. 17.
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