FORT EUSTIS, Va. –
Soldiers and medical staff at McDonald Army Health Center gathered in the dining facility conference room March 1 to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Medical Enlisted Corps.
The theme for this year's observance is "A History of Strength, Service and Honor."
This annual observance was hosted to recognize the history and increase the overall awareness of the contributions and sacrifices made by members of the Army Medical Enlisted Corps.
Sergeant 1st Class Wendy Jarvis, the health center's senior clinical noncommissioned officer, coordinated this year's event. Having served as a "combat medic" herself in Somalia, Jarvis is an Army medical Soldier who can truly relate to the sacrifices made by Army medics and the pressures associated with this rewarding duty.
Upon giving the opening remarks, Jarvis spoke passionately about the selfless acts of valor and commitment to duty of Army medical Soldiers who have "unselfishly come to the aid of victims of disaster and disease throughout the world."
She was followed by Sgt. 1st Class Annquarnette L. Aaron, Spc. Michelle L. Snow, and Staff Sgt. Jose E. Prieto who also supported the observance by giving the invocation, history and slide show presentation, respectively. Jarvis then introduced Master Sgt. Willie S. Grimes of the Warrior Transition Unit, whom she selected to be this year's guest speaker.
"I realize there are many Soldiers who have sacrificed much through their service to the Army, but I was looking for more from our speaker this year," said Jarvis, explaining why she felt Grimes was the most qualified Soldier to address this year's crowd. "Grimes is not only a Soldier who has 'been there and done that.' He's one who understands what all it takes to save a life."
"Master Sgt. Grimes has witnessed firsthand what Army medics go through on the battlefield, and that's why I wanted him to share his story," Jarvis said.
Grimes credits his life to the support he has continued to receive from the Medical Enlisted Corps. While serving with 25th Infantry Division in April 2008 in Sadr City, Iraq, he was severely wounded by the effects of a house-borne improvised explosive device. He sustained life-threatening injuries from the bomb explosion, but was saved by Army medics who rushed to his aid and administered immediate tactical combat casualty care.
This example of Army medics saving a Soldier's life is one of countless success stories, and Grimes realizes this. Thanks to the care and support he received from the Medical Enlisted Corps, he remains Army Strong and capable to stand before the audience and tell his story.
"It is an honor and privilege to be able to thank the men and women who have made it possible for me to stand here today. As a combat arms Soldier, I feel it is easy for anyone to pull the trigger of a weapon. However, it is harder to treat and try to save a person's life," said the Richmond, Va., native, adding that he continues to receive top-notch care.
The Medical Enlisted Corps observance concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony honoring the youngest and oldest enlisted medical Soldier present. 1st Sgt. Damon T. Clark of Medical Company represented the senior NCO, and Pfc. Gloria M. Najera, an operating room technician also assigned to Medical Company, joined him in slicing the cake with a noncommissioned officer sword.