Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Kleynia McKnight | Members of the 474th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron, participate in a flag...... read more read more
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GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba - Air Force Master Sgt. Scott Clarkson, from the 474th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron, demonstrated his devotion to his Airmen by refusing to mobilize back home. While stationed on a six-month volunteer deployment to Joint Task Force Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Clarkson underwent knee surgery in order to stay here with his Troops.
Clarkson was offered to go back home and have a knee replacement procedure which would end the long lasting pain he faces daily. Instead, after a consultation with Lt. Cmdr. Christopher Dewing M.D., orthopedic surgeon and department head at U.S. Naval Hospital Guantanamo Bay, Clarkson decided to undergo a knee surgery here that would delay the need for a total knee replacement, but not replace it.
"As a United States service member I see the severe demand for personnel like Clarkson, who each day sacrifice their lives, sweat and tears to accomplish their mission," said Dewing. It is not only my honor, but it is a way to thank the men a woman that I serve with."
When Dewing first heard about Clarkson's situation he was starting the demobilization process – preparing to return to the United States. However, Dewing acknowledged the need for Clarkson in this operation and his daily contribution to the mission.
Soldiers are often recognized for their accomplishments through honors and ceremonies, but rarely can they show appreciation to each other through an action- for Dewing and Clarkson, they did just that.
"He is helping me stand by my beliefs and fellow Airman, as the first to step on island with them, I want to be the last to step off of it," expressed Clarkson the morning of his surgery. "Accomplishing what we came here for in the first place, turning over (the mission) with pride and gratitude and most important a mission completed."
The successful operation was performed by Dewing on June 17, at the Naval Hospital, here. The 474th will have a formation honoring Dewing, where he will be presented a hand-made shadow box containing a flag that was flown for 9 minutes and 11 seconds at Camp Justice, the Tent City managed by Clarkson's Troops which also houses the new Expeditionary Legal Complex here.
www.jtfgtmo.southcom.mil
| Date Taken: | 06.23.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 07.02.2008 09:22 |
| Story ID: | 21099 |
| Location: | GUANTANAMO BAY, CU |
| Web Views: | 214 |
| Downloads: | 183 |
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