More than 300 Sailors and their guests attended the event, which celebrated the honored history and heritage of the Navy hospital corpsman.
Approximately six months of planning went into making this event a success. Sailors from NMTSC and Navy Medicine Education, Training and Logistics Command (NMETLC), came together to create the 2018 Hospital Corps Ball committee.
“My sincerest thank goes to all of those who have made this event possible,” said Chief Hospital Corpsman Mark Marin, chair of the 2018 Hospital Corps Ball. “Our success is a direct reflection of the hard work and dedication of all of our committee members. All fundraising, planning and practicing took place on each individual’s personal time; time spent away from family and personal responsibilities.”
The committee, along with its sponsors, NMTSC’s Junior Enlisted Association (JEA), First Class Petty Officer Association (FCPOA), Chief Petty Officer Association (CPOA) and Aligned Mortgage, raised more than $55,000 selling merchandise, food and more.
Marin said that understanding the importance of forging the future of the Hospital Corps, made him want to be involved in coordinating this event.
“I’ve been a hospital corpsman for over 18 years,” said Marin. “I really think history, heritage and the understanding of where we came from and where we’re going, especially in the pinnacle location where we sit now, is the foundation of the Hospital Corps. So, why not emphasize that and set the legacy within that, especially for the 120th year, and go out with a bang.”
The event kicked off with the singing of the National Anthem and parading of the colors.
Birthday messages from the Surgeon General, the Director of the Hospital Corps and Commandant of the Marine Corps were read by members of the ball committee before the cutting of the cake.
“It is with great pride and honor that I wish our hospital corpsman a very happy 120th birthday,” read Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Mary Godinez. “Since 17 June 1898, the men and women of the Hospital Corps have forged a legacy of valor and selflessness. While the impact the Hospital Corps has had on the success of our Navy and Marine Corps, may sometimes be understated, it should never be underestimated. Whether on, under or above the sea, or serving in the most austere environments, hospital corpsmen continue to serve our country with distinction.”
The cutting and passing of the cake, which symbolizes the passing of experience, knowledge and tradition, took place after the birthday messages were read. The guest of honor, Colonel (ret.) Donald “Doc” Ballard, Master Chief Hospital Corpsman Rikki Brown, oldest active-duty corpsman present, and Hospital Apprentice Bryce Cole, youngest active-duty corpsman present, cut the cake together, symbolizing the bond of the Hospital Corps. The first piece of cake was presented to the guest of honor. The second piece of cake was presented to Brown, signifying honor and respect for experience and seniority. The third slice was passed to Cole, signifying the passing of tradition from the senior to the junior ranks.
During the ceremony, a skit, narrated by Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Tony Birk, from Panama City, Fla., highlighted Sailors of the medical corps who sacrificed themselves, to save the lives of others. Among those mentioned was Hospital Apprentice Robert Henry Stanley, the first hospital corpsman Medal of Honor recipient.
“In honor of hospital corpsmen who made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Birk. “You will never be forgotten. Please stand up as we honor our brothers and sisters.”
Everyone in attendance stood as ‘Taps’ played and the skit participants rendered a hand salute.
“For 120 years the Hospital Corps has compiled a truly honorable legacy of valor and sacrifice,” said Birk. “Today, the 23,000 regular and 6,000 reserve members of the Navy Hospital Corps continue to serve in many capacities, from General Duty Corpsman to specialties, such as Pharmacy Technicians, and Independent Duty Corpsman around the globe. Happy Birthday Hospital Corps!”
The guest of honor, Doc Ballard, Medal of Honor recipient, served as the guest speaker for the event. He reflected on his time serving in the Hospital Corps.
“Some day, you will be tested and that test will reveal your passion,” said Ballard. “This is the worst job in the United States Navy, but it is the most rewarding. The Vietnam era changed the way we [the Hospital Corps] do our procedures. I would have loved to have some of the training that you all are receiving today. We would’ve saved more lives. Records show that you’re saving more lives today, than we did in Vietnam.”
The ceremony concluded with all hospital corpsmen present, standing, raising their right hands and reciting the Hospital Corpsman Pledge. The ball concluded with closing remarks and a reception.
Navy medicine personnel deploy with Sailors and Marines worldwide, providing critical mission support aboard ship, in the air, under the sea and on the battlefield.
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