Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON)(SS/SW) Rick D. West released the following Hospital Corpsman birthday message to the fleet June 13.
“Shipmates,
June 17, 2012, marks the 114th Hospital Corpsman birthday. From their beginnings in the Continental Navy to today’s Overseas Contingency Operations, Corpsmen have served in every major battle, performing courageously on the front lines and assisting their fellow warriors in any way possible.
You are an exceptional group of men and women, whose dedication to duty and willingness to put others before self is evident throughout your heroic history. Loblolly Boy, Bayman, Doc … the name may have changed several times, but the pride and professionalism have remained constant. Whether you are providing top-notch healthcare at home, underway and abroad, or life-saving treatment on the battlefield, you are a vital part of our Navy and Marine Corps team.
To the thousands of Hospital Corpsmen who serve our great Navy, I am extremely proud of each and every one of you for answering the call to duty and for your benevolent service to those in your care. I have seen firsthand that you take your Hospital Corpsman’s pledge to heart and “hold the care of the sick and injured to be a privilege and a sacred trust.”
Thank you for all that you do in providing outstanding medical support and treatment for our Sailors, Marines, families and retirees. Happy birthday Navy Corpsmen … you’re making a difference every day as you have been your last 114 years.
HOOYAH Warrior Docs!
Very Respectfully, MCPON”
[mappress] Naval Today Staff , June 14, 2012; Image: US Navy