Tricare seeks nominations to honor vaccination advocates

  • Published
  • By Army Sgt. Sara Wood
  • American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON (AFPN) --  In honor of National Immunization Awareness month, Tricare Management Activity officials are seeking to recognize an individual or team that has encouraged people in the community to catch up on vaccinations.

This award will be the latest installment of the "Salute to the Heroes of Tricare" program. It began 10 years ago to recognize people, facilities, organizations or contractors who have enhanced the military health system's success, said Dian Lawhon, deputy chief of communications and customer service for Tricare Management Activity. The program highlights the extra efforts of people involved with Tricare, she said.

"It's really important to recognize the folks in the military health-care system for the work they do," she said. "There's a tremendous amount of dedication."

The Heroes program gives monthly awards. Usually, the theme of the award is tied to the Tricare initiative for that month, Ms. Lawhon said. The award includes a poster and a letter to the honoree's commander signed by the assistant secretary of defense for health affairs.

Tricare serves about 9.2 million beneficiaries, including active duty, National Guard, Reserve, retirees and family members. Ms. Lawhon said the recognition program helps emphasize the importance of the service provided to these customers.

"Everything we do to support these beneficiaries is important," she said. "We want to recognize those heroes who go the extra mile."

Any person, facility, organization, group or contractor external to TMA is eligible to be nominated as a hero. Candidates may be nominated or randomly selected from published articles or correspondence. This month's hero must be active in promoting the importance of vaccinations.

To nominate a Hero of Tricare, complete the form online at www.tricare.osd.mil/hero/onlineform.htm. After responding to all questions, press the "Go Hero!" button to submit the nomination. The information requested on the form may also be sent by e-mail to media@tma.osd.mil, or by fax to (703) 681-3692.

Nominations are due by Aug. 10.