The John C. Eason Responder of the Year Award was established in 2016 to recognize the accomplishments of a Black Commissioned Officer Advisory Group (BCOAG) member who has made outstanding contributions to the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) by responding to critical public health events either domestically or internationally.

CAPT John C. Eason, Jr. (Ret.) was the first African American to be commissioned by PHS. Receiving his commission in 1943 as an Assistant Sanitarian (now Environmental Health Officer), CAPT Eason was one of the first officers to be assigned to the Office of International Health, supervising health assistance missions and programs in Africa, Europe, South America, Asia, and the Middle East. He also served as Coordinator of the Special Foreign Currency Program, where he managed the allocation of $25 million in annual funding. Throughout his career, CAPT Eason rose above many obstacles and struggled for recognition, credibility, and advancement in an arena that often undervalued and underestimated the abilities of African Americans. Not only during his PHS career, but also in retirement, CAPT Eason demonstrated leadership, dedication, and commitment to the mission of the Public Health Service.

This award is open to all ranks. Nominees for this award must be an active member of a BCOAG committee, i.e., having attended at least 4 general body or committee meetings and volunteered in at least three (3) committees or other BCOAG-related activities within the previous operational year.

Past Award Recipients