Editor's Note: The Health Professions
Mobile Tour has been canceled for Wednesday, Nov. 8. Further
information will be posted here if and when available.
Service in the
military is one of our nation’s most honored traditions. This
Saturday, Nov. 11, is Veterans Day and the nation will honor
the service of our military men and women, many of whom have
made the ultimate sacrifice — giving their lives — to maintain
the security and protect the freedom of all Americans.
Richard Jadick, D.O., who was featured
on the cover of Newsweek magazine for saving 30 lives
during a fierce fire-fight in Fallujah, is among the more than 2,200 osteopathic physicians
serving in the military. He and his fellow D.O.s have chosen to be a part of,
and to serve, our nation’s finest.
Seventeen OU-COM
student doctors — including first-year student Laura Paleka
and second-year student Nicholas Carr — have made that
choice and are commissioned military officers serving in the
Army, Air Force and Navy. They also are members of the medical
school’s Association of Military Osteopathic Physicians and
Surgeons (AMOPS) chapter.
“Life is a about
choices,” says Steve Davis, Ph.D., director of
faculty development and advisor to the AMOPS chapter, “and our
men and women, both past and present, who chose to serve
demonstrate an unselfish love of truth, justice and the American
dream for all. Veterans Day celebrates that choice, remembers
the cost and reminds us of the hope of the future.” Davis, a retired major, served 10 years in the
Navy and 14 in the Air Force. Davis’ grandfather, father, uncle,
brother and sister are veterans. He also has two sons serving in
the military.
As with Davis,
these students have a family tradition of military service.
“My grandfather
served in the Army during World War II, and my uncle served in
the Air Force during the first conflict with Iraq,” says U.S.
Army 2nd Lt. Paleka. She says it is an enormous honor to take
“care of the men and women who take care of all of us each day
through their hard work and sacrifices. Knowing that I will be
helping some of the most dedicated and honorable people in the
world really motivates me.”
“Two years ago
when I was offered the chance to apply for a scholarship from
the U.S. Air Force,” says 2nd Lt. Carr, “I jumped at the chance
to continue my grandfather’s legacy; he is a retired Air Force
major. When I received the scholarship in April 2005, he flew
all the way to Ohio to commission me in as an officer. It was
one of the proudest moments for me as well as my family.”
Preceding
Veterans Day, the Air Force will land in Athens during its
30-week Health Professions Mobile Tour. The recruitment tour
highlights the Air Force’s physician, dental and nurse programs
and features a 39-ft. state-of-the-art motor coach with dazzling
high-tech displays and a hospitality lounge inside. The visit
will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 8,
between Irvine and Grosvenor halls. Anyone interested in
pursuing a health-professions career with the Air Force is
encouraged to stop by the van.
“AMOPS will be
there talking with people who visit the van,” says Carr, who
also is president of AMOPS. “This bus exemplifies the commitment
made by the U.S. Air Force to increase the capabilities and
quality of service of its medical practice. It demonstrates the
new technology that is being incorporated into current medical
practices in the field. This is a great chance to experience the
vast amount of technology as well as talk with recruiters.
“We are very
lucky to have this tour stop so close to Veterans Day, as it is
a great opportunity to bring attention to that day. And
that day’s remembrance serves as a prayer for those who have
served their country.”
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News for the week of Oct 30 – Nov 3
