NMCSD Leaders Serve at Special Staff Appreciation Luncheon

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Cameron Pinske | 200520-N-MD713-1079 SAN DIEGO (May 20, 2020) Capt. Bradford Smith, Naval Medical Center San Diego NMCSD's commanding officer, serves staff during a take-out staff appreciation luncheon in NMCSD’s galley May 20, 2020. The luncheon was held in support for NMCSD staff’s response to COVID-19. NMCSD's mission is to prepare service members to deploy in support of operational forces, deliver high quality healthcare services and shape the future of military medicine through education, training and research. NMCSD employs more than 6,000 active duty military personnel, civilians, and contractors in the Southern California to provide patients with world-class care anytime, anywhere. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Cameron Pinske/Released)  

UNITED STATES

05.20.2020

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Cameron Pinske 

Naval Medical Center San Diego

SAN DIEGO – Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD) held a staff appreciation luncheon May 20, in the galley at NMCSD. The luncheon was served to applaud staff members for their hard work during the continuing COVID-19 pandemic.

The luncheon recognized staff contributions to patient care and emphasized the importance of giving back to our front line staff.

“We want everyone to know that we appreciate all of the outstanding work they do, and this luncheon is one way we are doing that,” said Capt. Bradford Smith, NMCSD’s commanding officer.

NMCSD’s galley department prepared pounds of steak, shrimp and a variety of side items and desserts for the carryout lunch. Command leadership and galley workers served meals to more than 600 people.

“I feel extremely proud that we came up with a different meal that everyone can come down and enjoy together as a morale booster,” said Lt. Tya Rowe, a dietician at NMCSD. “Planning it was so much fun because it was so different from our normal recipes. To see how many people came down for us to give back to them for all their hard work during these difficult times was a great feeling.”

According to Smith, staff and caregivers have been challenged by COVID-19 to step out of their comfort zone, but have been incredibly resilient, flexible, and have come up with outstanding ways to meet the mission.

“It’s one team coming together under some very trying circumstances, but they have responded and come up with some very unique ways to meet the challenges and it is really impressive,” said Smith.

For more information on NMCSD please visit: http://www.med.navy.mil/sites/nmcsd/Pages/default.aspx.
For more news from Naval Medical Center San Diego, visit www.navy.mil/local/sd/.

• Date Taken: 05.20.2020
• Date Posted: 05.21.2020 10:54
• Story ID: 370461
• Location: US