66th Medical Squadron captures multiple AFMS awards

  • Published
  • By Jessica Casserly
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  The 66th Medical Squadron was recently honored with three Air Force Medical Service level awards for 2014.

The Hanscom Dental Clinic has been named the Air Force Materiel Command's Best Small Dental Clinic for 2014, Capt. Heidi Hernandez of Public Health has been chosen as the Biomedical Specialist Category I Officer of the Year and Mr. Christopher Meeks of Environmental Health has been selected for the Air Force Medical Service Civilian Leadership Award.

The 66th MDS Dental Flight was named the "best" at the AFMC level for the seventh time for their unmatched accomplishments as the number one of eight small dental flights in AFMC, meeting or exceeding Air Force level standards.

"The Air Force Medical Service Awards mean a lot to the 66th Medical Squadron, because we get the chance to show the great things that our people are doing here at Hanscom and how we impact the medical service community and Air Force at large," said Chief Master Sgt. Omar Hardman, 66th MDS superintendent.

Outstanding accomplishments that propelled the 66th Dental Flight forward as the Best Small Dental Clinic include revitalizing their medical service strategic plan to cut referral times by 18 percent, creating an Air Force-wide digital exam template and earning a 100 percent satisfaction rating for their flawless execution of flight operations.

In addition to their Dental Flight award, the 66th MDS highlighted the professionalism and talents of two individual team members who were selected for officer and civilian awards.

Hernandez, the Public Health Element Chief, excelled in her role of protecting the overall health of the Hanscom population. Some of her achievements included leading food vulnerability assessments in 17 facilities and directing a flu-prevention program that spanned seven states.

"Captain Hernandez is a public health officer who has gone above and beyond for the things she has contributed to the clinic and the 66th Air Base Group," Hardman said. "She is also very involved in the community and holds key leadership positions on the base. She is always willing to help, and leads by example for those who work for her."

Despite high praise from leadership, Hernandez remains humble about her accomplishments, crediting her mentors for her success.

"It's an award that belongs to all of those who have supported me," she said. "This award represents the culmination of guidance and mentoring I have received from my officers and enlisted, both junior and senior ranking. They have helped me focus on my weak areas and exploit my strong areas. They pushed me, so that I could grow and it paid off in the end."

For Meeks, an Environmental Health Technician responsible for scheduling and quality checking occupational health assessments, his selection for the AFMS Civilian Leadership Award was a welcome surprise.

"I have been submitted before and this was the first time I won at AFMC," he said. "It is nice to be recognized when you work hard and give it your best."

Meeks demonstrated leadership by directing a special surveillance program review, which closed 30 surveys, six times the annual average, and saved 220 man-hours. He also managed 62 shop surveys, performed 79 health risk assessments and updated operating instructions to include the use of five types of protective gloves, contributing to the safety of 40 personnel.

"Mr. Meeks is responsible for leading large programs for the base such as the Occupational Health program," Hardman said. "He ensures all base shops are compliant with state and federal regulations as required. Mr. Meek's service before self and hard work both on- and off-duty was reason enough for him to be nominated for what he contributes to Team Hanscom."

While the 66th MDS team is appreciative of the AFMC level recognition they have received, they remain focused on the mission and providing world-class care to the Hanscom community.

"It is important for our Hanscom community to know our capabilities, and trust that we are there to support them to meet Hanscom's mission," Hardman said.