By Tywanna Sparks, IACH PAO
Fort Riley medical officers gathered to celebrate the U.S. Army Medical Service Corps' 98th anniversary with a tribute to its distinguished history on June 30th at Irwin Army Community Hospital.
The MSC is comprised of a diverse range of professionals who provide the administration, planning, programming and budgeting of every Army Medical Department effort.
Lt. Col. Jacob Dlugosz, president of the Fort Riley Silver Caduceus Society, served as the speaker for the event. The Silver Caduceus Society is a private association established for MSC officers to conduct professional and personal development, as well as offer forums to update officers on the advancements in technical, administrative and scientific arenas. The event also provided MSC officers an opportunity to receive mentorship and information important to their career fields.
As Dlugosz addressed the audience, he reminded those in attendance of the corps' rich history.
"Since our inception, the MSC officers have served in every major conflict of war the nation has called us on," he said. "Officers such as Major Patrick Brady have earned the medal of honor for heroism and valor, while others have lost their lives while saving other Soldiers."
Dlugosz also shared how MSC officers continue to serve and contribute to the health of the force.
"Because of our countless efforts, Soldiers of all ranks and formations go into battle knowing that the finest medical care will be provided if they are injured," he said.
Dlugosz reflected on what the next 98 years of the MSC would look like, ". . . that question can only be answered by those of us in this room today, for it is us who affords the history for the next generation to look back upon and remember."
MSC History
Revolutionary War officers of the Civil War Ambulance Corps evolved into World War I Sanitary Corps which was established on June 30, 1917 as a temporary part of the Medical Department based on authority provided by the May 18, 1917 Act of Congress.
During the inter-war years, the Army needed a permanent medical ancillary organization. This led to the establishment of the Medical Administrative Corps on June 4, 1920.
The Pharmacy Corps was established as a Regular Army branch on July 12, 1943. On August 4, 1947, the Sanitary, Administrative and Pharmacy Corps were replaced by the Medical Service Corps.
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