FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas -- The Army Medical Department Center & School announced the winner of the Instructor of the Year competition Dec. 4 during a ceremony at the AMEDD Museum.
Lt. Col. Mark Carder, Department of Preventive Health Services, Academy of Health Sciences received the honored title after winning Instructor of the Quarter and being nominated for the yearly award.
Throughout the year AMEDDC&S department chiefs and sergeants major recognize exceptional instructors by nominating them for Instructor of the Quarter. Winners of the Instructor of the Quarter are eligible to compete for the Instructor of the Year.
"Lt. Col. Carder has demonstrated superior teaching abilities and expert knowledge during this competition; his superb character, commitment and skill has directly contributed to the success of the training mission," said Master Sgt. Reginald Hall, master of ceremonies.
According to the AMEDDC&S Web site, the Instructor of the Quarter and Instructor of the Year program was established to promote and recognize excellence in service school instruction and training.
Col. Donna Whittaker, dean, AMEDDC&S, presented Carder an Army Commendation Medal for meritorious achievement for his performance during the Instructor of the Year competition.
Col. Randall Anderson, commander, 32nd Medical Brigade, praised Carder for his abilities not just on the teaching platform but in his additional duties as well.
"He does it with perfection and superb performance across the board. On behalf of the whole brigade, thank you very much and congratulations," Anderson said.
Maj. Gen. Russell Czerw, commander of the AMEDDC&S, presented Carder his commander's coin.
Czerw said he had the privilege of being instructed by Carder during an eight-month period when they were deployed together.
"Mark taught me an incredible amount about preventative medicine," he said.
Carder will represent AMEDDC&S in the Training and Doctrine Command Instructor of the Year competition, competing against instructors throughout the Army.
As his wife, Dr. Jennifer Carder, and his daughters, Mary Cate and Anna, stood beside him, he thanked them for their support.
Carder praised his co-workers and fellow officers for the work they do, saying "we are here as a team, and our duty is to build tomorrow's warriors today.
"This is a big day. I love being a Soldier, I love being around Soldiers and I love teaching Soldiers," he said, promising to do his best in the TRADOC competition.
"This is one of the jobs I have wanted since I came into the Army, so I'm living the dream," Carder said.
Carder also received a four-day pass, an AMEDDC&S one-year parking pass, his name engraved on the Instructor of the Year plaque, gifts from various organizations and his photograph will be displayed in Willis Hall and on the AMEDDC&S Web site.
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