FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas - Two Fort Sam Houston Soldiers joined an elite medical fraternity Oct. 9 when they were inducted into the Order of Military Medical Merit at the Army Medical Department Museum.
Lt. Col. Paul Mayer and Sgt. Maj. Henry Myrick II, both of the Department of Combat Medic Training, AMEDD Center and School, were welcomed into the ranks of the O2M3 in front of about 100 Family, friends, co-workers and fellow Soldiers, who packed the L. Marguerite Lines Activities Room.
"I feel honored. It threw me by surprise," said Myrick, who serves as the senior enlisted adviser and chief instructor in the Department of Combat Medic Training. "There are a lot of personnel who have done very good things for the medical field. To be a part of that is humbling."
Since 1982, the O2M3 has been awarded to recognize excellence and promote fellowship and esprit de corps among AMEDD personnel, according to the program narrator Sgt. 1st Class Tracy Bean. Prospective members of the order go through a rigorous board process, which reviews individuals' contributions over a career.
Mayer, director of the Department of Combat Medic Training, was recognized for improving organizations in a variety of fields including clinical, operational and educational during the past 20 years.
"I feel good very good. Hopefully, I've got a lot more contributions to make to the military," Mayer said. "It's nice to get so I can still wear it while I'm in uniform."
Dean of the Academy of Health Sciences Col. W. John Luciano described Mayer as a highly technical officer, outstanding educator and a passionate leader.
"He cares about his Soldiers. The way that he demonstrates his care is to make sure that they are properly trained," he said. "That's especially challenging given the environment we're in with personnel shortages and large numbers of students."
Myrick, also a 20-year-veteran, was recognized for his teaching, coaching and mentoring of countless numbers of Soldiers, noncommissioned officers and officers.
Mayer, who supervises Myrick, said he is a fantastic NCO who personifies the Army Values.
"He sets the standard for the organization," Mayer said.
Mayer said being recognized for his efforts took a lot of sacrifice from his Family, hard work on his part and great teamwork from the civilians and military that work with him.
"It's certainly not my award but it's for everybody that's helped me along the way," Mayer said.
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