A collection of 52 medics from across Fort Campbell were recognized during the third annual Armed Services YMCA Angels of the Battlefield dinner Nov. 1 at Cole Park Commons for their courage, dedication and professionalism.
The event began with dinner and a video tribute to fallen Soldiers. Guest speakers then shared their testimonials and gratitude for medics and all that they do for the Army.
Spc. Eric Richardson, a combat engineer with 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, gave the night's first testimonial by talking about the situation he was in when he was wounded in Afghanistan.
"We had been on mission for about two hours when all of a sudden I heard machine-gun fire danger close," said Richardson. "Before I could realize what was really going on, I looked down and I had been shot in both my legs. My team leader immediately applied pressure and one of the first things that I recollected was him yelling for a medic. Every day I am thankful because not only did they (the medics) know what they were doing, they acted quickly and were able to make sure I am able to stand here today. I would just like to say to all the medics, and the medical personnel in here, 'thank you'."
One of the guest speakers was Lt. Gen John F. Campbell, deputy chief of staff G-3/5/7 and former commander of the 101st, who spoke about his recent visit to the Gettysburg Battlefield.
"As I read It, (the Gettysburg address) it really reminded me again the great sacrifices that all of our troopers today continue to serve and make, but I think it really holds true today about our medics," said Campbell. "They all volunteered to be medics, they all went went through that 16-weeks of training. It takes a special person to get through that."
Each medic was given a coin from Campbell and a framed photo entitled "The Doc", which is another term used for medics. If a Soldier was unable to attend due to being deployed, there was a representative who accepted the award on the his or her behalf.
The dinner concluded with the attendees shaking hands with the medics and expressing their thanks for their dedicated service.
"The fact that we were able to honor the Soldiers and receive the support we got from the community was great," said Shirley West, director of the Fort Campbell Armed Forces YMCA. "We appreciate everyone who attended and appreciate the opportunity to honor the guests."
Related Links:
The 101st Airborne Division page on Army.mil
Social Sharing