AF chief honored with Army's prestigious medical Order

FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas (AFNS) -- The command chief of the Medical Education and Training Campus here was inducted into the Army's esteemed Order of the Military Medical Merit here April 20.

Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Kevin Lambing was inducted as an honorary member of the elite organization, which accepts members for their distinguished service in the Army medical community.

Lambing was surprised with the honor during his farewell function and was clearly moved by the gesture.

"I understand the importance of what this means and I am very humbled," Lambing told those gathered to celebrate his impending departure from METC.

He is slated to become the chief of the Air Force Medical Enlisted Force in the Office of the Surgeon General.

"Receiving the Military Medical Merit award is one of the top highlights of my career," Lambing said. "In reality, it reflects the hard work of the men and women from all branches of service (who) accomplish the mission every day at METC. To them, I say thank you. To the U.S. Army Medical Department, I say thank you, and I will reflect on the professionalism and pride of Army Medics each time I proudly wear it."

Army Col. Larry Hanson, the METC dean for academics, presented Lambing the official medallion of the Order, which represents the traditions and values of the Army Medical Department.

"I have had the pleasure of working closely with this tremendously talented senior enlisted leader the last two years in my capacity as METC dean," Hanson said. "Chief Lambing's accomplishments over the course of his career speak volumes for the quality, dedication, selfless service and loyalty of this tremendous senior; he is a highly respected senior noncommissioned officer."

According to the citation, Lambing consistently demonstrated exceptional professional and personal skills throughout a stellar twenty-seven year military career. He has steadfastly worked with Army medical personnel, improving the technical expertise and quality of life of Soldier medics. He works daily with members of the entire Army Medical Center and School and 32nd Medical Brigade staff.

As the first command chief master sergeant serving as the principle advisor to the METC commandant, he has become the key facilitator among the tri-service senior enlisted leaders to develop programs that create parity among the services and ensures service cultures are maintained. He has been a strong advocate to ensure equal treatment of all enlisted medical personnel.

The Order of the Military Medical Merit is a unique, private organization founded by the commanding general of U.S. Army Health Services Command in April 1982 to recognize excellence and promote fellowship and esprit de corps among AMEDD personnel.

Membership in the Order recognizes those individuals who have clearly demonstrated the highest standards of integrity and moral character, displayed outstanding degrees of professional competence, served in the Army Medical Department for a minimum of 10 years with selflessness, and have made a sustained contribution to the betterment of Army medicine.

Members of other military services who have made distinguished contributions to the Army Medical Department can be recognized as honorary members.