Day 383: Meritorious Service

Being in the Navy for more than 5 years I have seen many awards ceremonies for sailors. As a medical officer, I noticed that military decorations don't come along too often for young Navy physicians as up to this point my Navy uniform is essentially bare. Well, my time has finally come. In exchange for being away from family, friends, and being in harms way for a prolonged period of time...I get to have my first military decorations presented to me. In a way, I was reminded of the feelings that I felt during previous graduations, the sense of accomplishment, the sacrifice, the hard work, and the thoughts of the future that lies ahead.

As part of my blog entry, I went ahead and posted the official citation of the 2 personal awards I was given.

THE MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL

For exceptionally meritorious service while deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom as the Camp Clark Medical Officer in Charge and Combat Clinical Operations Advisor, Afghan Regional Security Integration Command-East, Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan. Lieutenant Mercado's tireless efforts, dedication, professionalism, and clinical acumen greatly contributed to the health and welfare of Camp Clark personnel, and the overall success of the Brigade's mission. His performance of duty in a combat zone reflects great credit upon himself, the Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan, the United States Central Command, and the United States Navy.

MILITARY OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER SERVICE MEDAL

For selfless service, and volunteering over 600 hours of his time in care of the people Khowst, Afghanistan. Lieutenant Mercado prepared an abandoned building for use as a medical clinic and humanitarian distribution center for villages in the Nadir Shah Kot district. He coordinated medical care, as triage, pharmacy, and humanitarian aid coordinator, to over 2000 local nationals and distributed over 20 tons of humanitarian assistance over an 11 month period. His tireless efforts led to the donation of an additional 10 tons of supplies in direct support of the humanitarian efforts of the clinic, local Shuras, and Spera COP which has made a lasting impact on the relations between the local populace and the Afghan National Security Forces. His volunteer service in support of the Afghan community and combined counterinsurgency efforts reflects distinct credit upon him, the Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan, the Central Command, and the United States Navy.

A post-awards ceremony picture with my good friend,
Verdell Mitchell


The LORD has dealt with me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands he has rewarded me.
Psalms 18:20 NIV

Day 311: Recognize

Recognition through the awarding of personal decorations and awards has been a time-honored military tradition. It has been a method of motivation, and sometimes healthy competition amongst the men and women in uniform. At the same time, an awards ceremony often marks the end of an individual's tour of duty. Today, we recognize a team of individuals who have reached that long-awaited milestone.


Today, I had the privilege of witnessing the awards ceremony for our Air Force team here on Camp Clark. In various capacities have they served our base either as battle captains, radio operators, internet/communication maintenance officers, and combat medics. Obviously, most near and dear to my heart, and at times the thorns in my side, have been my Air Force medics. For the last 6 months they have been "my team" when it comes to the day-to-day mission of the Troop Medical Clinic.

They have maintained their professionalism, poise, motivation, and dedication to the mission.

But, they have also easily fooled me and have revealed their mischievous ways along with their tendencies toward slackerism (...my word). Nonetheless, they have all grown on me, kinda like an unrelenting fungus.

Air Force & Navy like Peas & Carrots!

In all seriousness, I have grown to be proud of every one of them as each one has established their personal legacy as an integral contributor to the objectives of Operation Enduring Freedom. Whether it's providing tactical care during a 4-hour standoff against the Taliban, coordinating the distribution of over 10 tons of humanitarian assistance to poor local national children, taking charge of the Troop Medical Clinic daily operations, or medically covering down on Field Artillery missions and Mounted Combat Operations (aka convoys) - I can honestly say that they have each left this country with much more than a bunch of medals/awards. They are concluding their tour with the recognition that they are American heroes and have served their country with distinction, and for that I am truly grateful.

"Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven..."
Matthew 5:12