Deadline Date: 1 March 2007
Leadership Award
The American Indian/Alaska Native Commissioned Officer Advisory Committee (AIANCOAC) National Leadership Award was established by the AIANCOAC to recognize individuals who have demonstrated significant contributions fostering the goals of the AIANCOAC and enhancing the health of American Indians and Alaska Natives. This award represents the highest level of recognition by the AIANCOAC of officers of the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service (Corps). Any ranking officer qualifies. This award is presented for sustained high quality excellence in accomplishing a program's mission administratively and performing clinical responsibilities and tasks at the agency level along with involvement at the national level.
Past Recipients:
1998 CDR Robert E. Pittman
2001 CDR Greg A. Ketcher
2002 LCDR Ronald R. West
2003 CAPT Kathleen Kinsey
2004 RADM Charles C. Grim
2005 CDR Kathy A. Holcroft
2006 CAPT Kirt Riley
The Annie Dodge Wauneka Award was established by the AIANCOAC to recognize individuals who have demonstrated significant contributions fostering the goals of the AIANCOAC and enhancing the health of American Indians and Alaska Natives at the local level. This award is named after Annie Dodge Wauneka from the Dine’ (Navajo) Nation. Annie Dodge Wauneka received an honorary doctoral award for her community health achievements. Dr. Wauneka was the first woman ever elected to the Dine’ (Navajo) Tribal Council. She served as a Tribal Council Delegate from her district for over 25 years. Dr. Wauneka served as Chairperson of the Tribal Council's Health Committee from 1951 to 1963 and was instrumental in the establishment of the Health Board and health care services such as Community Health Representatives. In 1956, Dr. Wauneka was one of three American Indians appointed to the U.S. Surgeon General's Advisory Committee on Indian Health. Throughout her life, Dr. Wauneka has been an advocate for health care and the improvement of health care services for American Indians and Alaska Natives. Any ranking officer qualifies. This award is presented for sustained high quality excellence in accomplishing a program's mission in community based responsibilities and tasks at the agency level.
Past Recipients:
1998 CAPT Verna Schad
2001 LTJG Celeste L. Davis
2002 LCDR Carmen C. Clelland
2003 CAPT Darlene A. Sorrel
2004 Demitrius La Tocha
2005 LT Brian R. Wren
2006 Yolanda Burke-Dee
1. Must be O-7 to O-10 Corps Officer.
2. This award is presented to a flag rank officer who has been recognized for contributing continuous outstanding leadership in carrying out the mission of the Corps; the performance of a single accomplishment which had a major effect on the health of the American Indian/Alaskan Native population; or, performance of an heroic act resulting in the preservation to health or property. The award criteria should roughly parallel the achievement which would entail the award of the PHS Commendation Medal.
Past Recipients:
2003 RADM Robert Harry, Jr.
2004 No Awardee
2005 No Awardee
2006 RADM Robert Pittman
1. Must be O-5 to O-6 Corps Officer.
2. This award to a senior officer who has achieved a level of proficiency and dedication distinctively greater than that which is expected of the average officer. For example, some of the areas which may be considered are recognition of sustained high quality work achievement in scientific, administrative or other professional fields; application of unique skills or creative imagination in connection to the approach or solution to complex problems; or, noteworthy technical and professional contributions that are significant to a limited area. The award criteria should roughly parallel the achievement which would entail the award of the PHS Achievement Medal.
Past Recipients:
2003 CDR Patricia A. Hawk
2004 CDR Jeannette P. Stubberud
2005 CDR Richard S. Harris
2006 CDR Carmen Celland
1. Must be O-1 to O-4 Corps Officer.
2. This award is presented to a junior officer for excellence in connection with the accomplishment of the program's mission. The recognition should be considered only for accomplishments of a specific and noteworthy nature. For example, some of the areas which may be considered are recognition of the advancement of program objectives; sustained above average dedication to duty; or, accomplishing a program objective or high quality achievement over a relatively short period of time, for example 30 to 45 days. The award criteria should roughly parallel the achievement which would entail the award of the PHS Citation.
Past Recipients:
2003 LTJG Evangeline Pablo
2004 LCDR Dawn A. Kelly
2005 LCDR Amy Holder
2006 LCDR Carol Vondall
The AIANCOAC functions in a resource and advisory capacity to assist in the development, coordination, and evaluation of activities related to American Indian/Alaska Natives in the Corps with the specific objectives of:
- Identifying and facilitating resolution of issues of concern as they relate to the professional development of American Indian/Alaska Natives in the Corps.
- Assessing Corps personnel needs and assisting in meeting these needs through activities in recruitment, training, utilization, and recognition of American Indian/Alaska Natives.
- Developing position papers, statistical reports, and/or guidelines where appropriate, to advise and comment on personnel issues and professional practices related to American Indian/Alaska Natives.
- Promoting the utilization and advancement of American Indian/Alaska Natives in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and other government agencies.
- Promoting cooperation and communication among American Indian/Alaska Natives in the Corps and other health professionals.
- Promoting all aspects of professional and personal development of American Indian/Alaska Natives throughout the Operating Divisions/Staff Divisions and programs of the HHS.
- Providing liaison among American Indian/Alaska Natives within and among HHS components, and advice and consultation to the Operating Division/Staff Division Heads and operating programs upon request.
The emphasis for nomination should be based on:
- On sustained outstanding performance.
- A superior contribution to the field of their discipline.
- Evidence of dedication to the principle of the Corps mission, vision, and goals.
The nominee must be a Native American/Alaska Native Corps officer who has been employed by the Federal government for a minimum of 2 years during his or her current tour.
Prefer nomination by an HHS colleague (civilian or Corps) or equivalent colleague rather than by self-nomination.
Complete and submit the “Nomination Form for the AIANCOAC Annual 2007 Awards” (available at http://www.aiancoac.freeservers.com and click on Awards and Recognition) to:
Acoma-Canoncito-Laguna Service Unit
Pharmacy Department
P.O. Box 130
San Fidel, NM 87049
Any questions or concerns, please call or write LCDR Darwin at:
Phone: 505-552-5393 MST
E-mail: wdarwin@abq.ihs.gov
| AWARD SCHEDULE: | |
| 1. Solicitation of nominations by AI/ANCOAC Award Sub-Committee | 1 October 2006 |
| 2. Submission of nominations begin | 1 October 2006 |
| 3. Submission DEADLINE | 1 March 2007 |
| 4. Review of nominations and selection | 15 March 2007 |
| 5. Meeting Presentation | 4-7 June 2007 |
The awards will be presented at the 2007 U.S. Public Health Service Scientific and Training Symposium (formerly the USPHS Professional Conference) in June in Cincinnati, OH. Engraved plaque and a signed certificate will be made available.