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Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton Executive Assistant to the Command Chaplain Receives Spirit of Hope Award
Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class John Paul Kotara
WASHINGTON, D.C. – To say Vicki Miller is dedicated to her job is an understatement. As the executive assistant to the command Chaplain Ms. Miller has spent the last 40 years enhancing staff and family welfare and strategic community engagement at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton. Her commitment to the community and military was recognized on Sept. 27, when she received the Spirit of Hope Award.
Ms. Miller, one of six individuals awarded this year, received the award for her support, positive attitude and flexibility to go above and beyond her call of duty to assist the community and military members around her.
“When I saw I was receiving the award I was in awe,” said Ms. Miller. “I am incredibly honored and thrilled that I have received this illustrious award and glad to see that people believe what I am doing is making a difference in our world.”
Ms. Miller has planned, facilitated and professionally executed 240 command and family events for more than 30,000 people at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton, to include Special Emphasis Programs for Women’s History, Black History, Asian-American History, Hispanic Heritage, Native American and Disabilities Awareness months. In 1979, Ms. Miller found and continues to serve as Executive Director of C.A.R.E.S. – Caring, Assistance, and Resources in Emergency Situations – a non-Federal entity that provides more than $10,000 of practical assistance annually to over 150 military families in need.
“It feels really great,” said Miller. “I was once a single parent and I know what it is like to get help - to need it and not know how to ask for it - so we are here to help those that don’t know how to ask for it, or not sure how to receive the help. We are here for them and it is the greatest feeling in the world knowing you are making a world of difference in someone’s life.”
C.A.R.E.S. has become a critical partner for Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton in patient care, staff and family support, and in strategic community engagement, providing a grand total of $160,000 of practical assistance to 2,400 families throughout the area since its inception.
Miller is doing what she loves and trying to be a positive source for the community she works with. Despite her accomplishments, Miller is very humble about her award and the recognition she received.
“I am so proud to be here,” said Miller. “We are all doing our part to make peoples life a little easier, and knowing it helps is the best feeling in the world.”
Presenting the award to Ms. Miller was Vice Adm. Forrest Faison, Navy surgeon general and chief, U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery.
“When I found out I was going to receive my award from Mr. Faison I cried,” said Miller. “I was so excited and I called everyone and let them know who was giving me my award. I am so proud of what he has done in his career and for taking the time to do this for me.” Faison was the commanding officer of Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton while Ms. Miller worked there, and were great friends.
“I am so proud and grateful for what Vicki has done,” Faison said. “It couldn’t have happened to a more deserving person in the world. On behalf of the men and women around the world, thank you and congratulations.”
The Spirit of Hope Award was established in 1997, and is named after actor and comedian Bob Hope who entertained U.S. troops for decades and was named an honorary veteran. The award recognizes Americans who share Hope's enthusiastic patriotism, compassion and admiration for the men and women who support and defend the Constitution of the United States. Past recipients of the Spirit of Hope Award include singer Toby Keith and actor Gary Sinise.
Navy Medicine is a global health care network of 63,000 personnel that provides health care support to the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, their families and veterans in high operational tempo environments at expeditionary medical facilities, medical treatment facilities, hospitals, clinics, hospital ships and research units around the world.
| Date Taken: | 10.01.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 10.01.2019 16:13 |
| Story ID: | 345057 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 117 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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