FORT BELVOIR, Va. -- Maj. Gen. M. Ted Wong, the Northern Regional Medical Command (NRMC) Commanding General, presented the newly acquired Distinctive Unit Insignia (DUI) to all enlisted Soldiers assigned to the Northern Regional Medical Command Headquarters during a ceremony Jan. 24.
The new NRMC Distinctive Unit Insignia (DUI) was approved by the Institute of Heraldry on Dec. 17, 2012, 16 years after the Army regional medical commands were formed, and will be worn by Soldiers assigned to the regional headquarters.
The design includes a white field background that represents the purity of intention in supporting the treatment of wounded, ill and injured Soldiers, as well as the medical environment. The red, white and blue colors refer to the colors of the United States and are arranged in a rainbow to signify the hope of the patients and their families under Northern Regional Medical Command's care. The undulating water refers to the Atlantic Ocean and the Great Lakes that border the region.
The Rod of Aesculapius is a historic symbol of the medical profession. The olive branch represents peace and the thirteen leaves denoting the original thirteen colonies. The bunch of seven arrows symbolizes the seven Medical Treatment Facilities (MTFs) under the command. Collectively, they embody the duty of the command to oversee the Service Members' treatment during war time and peace time.
"The meaning behind each element of our Distinguished Unit Insignia is trust," Wong said. "Our beneficiaries have a right to expect nothing but our best efforts, and they trust that is exactly what they get whenever they come to us for care."
The history of the Distinctive Unit Insignia dates back to 1921 when Circular 244 was approved. It states, in principle, that regiments of the Regular Army and National Guard may wear distinctive badges or trimmings on their uniforms as a means of promoting esprit de corps and keeping alive historical traditions.
The Soldiers of the Army Medical Command are proud of their distinctive heritage. From 1920 when the Medical Field Service School opened at Carlisle Barracks, Pa. through today, medics have led the way. Medics have always been heroes of their time, stepping forward to save countless lives and to minimize as much human suffering as they could, while giving of themselves totally. Their services were as relevant in Europe, Korea and Vietnam, as they are in the Middle East, Africa, or wherever our military and civilian forces may be sent. These truly are people of destiny at their time and place. Hundreds of thousands of Soldiers owe their lives to those men and woman who provided lifesaving medical care under the most harrowing of conditions.
A Soldier is struck by an improvised explosive device (IED) and consequently, lay injured and unconscious. A fellow Soldier assesses the casualty and yells "medic!" That scream triggers the response of a combat medic, age 18, who rushes to his side. From the battlefield, through evacuation, to the hospital and home, the medic is at his side, caring for his injuries and spirit. Once home, his mission continues; assisting the Soldier and his family every step of the way to make them whole again. They trust him with their bodies and souls.
Throughout history there has been conflict, resulting in pain and suffering--creating a need for the caregiver. The Army Medical Department has a long history of brilliance, gallantry, and honor. It is not enough to cure--it is also necessary to care. Caring takes very special qualities in an individual and includes: selflessness, self-sacrifice, empathy, and compassion. You will see all of these elements of character in the eyes of the men and woman standing in formation in front of Major General Wong. They have accepted the call to serve, out of a sense of duty, patriotism, and a realization that the freedoms we enjoy in this land are not always free. They epitomize the motto "Serving to Heal, Honored to Serve."
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