Nurse/Nursing Citations

Critical Care Nurse

Captain Jaime Martinez distinguished himself by outstanding achievement as a Critical Care Nurse, Critical Care Flight, 96th Inpatient Operations Squadron, 96th Medical Group, 96th Test Wing, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. As In-House Nursing Supervisor, Captain Martinez led 28 staff across four flights over 276 shifts, ensuring care for 3,300 occupied bed days and contributing to 3.8 million dollars in healthcare services. Additionally, he bolstered Coronavirus operations amid critical manning gaps, treating 110 patients and cutting Critical Care Unit stays by two days, saving 1.1 million dollars. Furthermore, Captain Martinez anchored the Federal Emergency Management Agency's mission, delivering 380,000 dollars in hospital care in a span of 180 hours, safeguarding 108,000 civilians in the nation's most impacted county. Moreover, as the Group's Code Blue Lead, he directed 55 life-support exercises, validating 23 units and 465 medics, efforts directly contributed to eight lives saved, and earned him a coin from the Test Wing Commander. Finally, Captain Martinez's contributions were key in the Group earning the 2022 and 2023 Air Force Materiel Command Hospital of the Year awards and Becker's 5-star rating. The distinctive accomplishments of Captain Martinez reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Clinical Nurse

Captain Taeseon Ko distinguished himself by meritorious service as Clinical Nurse, Registered Nurse, Mock Code Manager, Basic Life Support Instructor, and alternate Clinical Team Chief, 354th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. During this period, Captain Ko delivered expert ambulatory care, telephone triage, emergency response training, and readiness support for 6.8K beneficiaries while sustaining nursing operations through critical manning shortages, executing more than 5K telehealth and triage encounters, enabling 72 deployment clearances, 107 waivers, 89 profiles, and 180 Airman Readiness Optimization Board reviews, and preventing more than $1.1M in network leakage and personnel loss. His decisive leadership during an F-35 mishap, mock code program revitalization, vaccination operations, and medical readiness initiatives strengthened Fifth-Generation airpower support, restored mission capability, improved emergency response compliance across six clinical areas, earned senior leader recognition from the PACAF Surgeon General and Defense Health Agency Assistant Secretary, contributed to 354th Medical Group Team of the Quarter recognition and PACAF/SG Clinic of the Year honors, and brought great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Clinical Nurse

Lieutenant Colonel Christine P. Mathews distinguished herself by outstanding meritorious service as a Clinical Nurse, Andrews Medical Group, Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, from 22 August 2022 to 1 June 2026. During this period, Colonel Mathews demonstrated exceptional clinical expertise by auditing 1467 licenses and credential records, directly contributing to a 97.9 percent Joint Commission score and successful three-year hospital accreditation. Furthermore, she engineered training initiatives for 12 Reserve nurses that increased combat readiness from 20 percent to 100 percent in eight months. Moreover, Colonel Mathews overhauled the Air Force Reserve Command's nurse readiness training program. Her ingenuity devised 12 protocols that set benchmarks for all Reserve medical units. Lastly Colonel Mathews' unrivaled leadership was pivotal to her team earning the 2020 Air Force District of Washington Surgeon General's Clinic of the Year and the 2020 Air Force Medical Services Personnel Reliability Program Clinic of the Year. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Mathews reflect great credit upon herself and the United States Air Force.

Clinical Nurse Specialist

Captain Oscar M. Nham distinguished himself by meritorious service while serving as Clinical Nurse Specialist, 959th Inpatient Operations Squadron, 959th Medical Group, 59th Medical Wing, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Air Force Base, Texas from 16 August 2015 to 18 September 2018. During this period, Captain Nham provided clinical support for 500 members, oversaw care for 300,000 patients, and supervised 13 million dollars of bed utilization costs annually. Additionally, he dedicated 2,000 hours to the education and development of Registered and Advanced Practice Nurses as a preceptor, mentor and coach, resulting in the design and implementation of a Simulation Based Training program that increased provider skills and confidence by 50 percent. Further, Captain Nham served as an advisor to the competency committee, providing expert recommendations that resulted in increased utilization of Licensed Practical Nurses and Emergency Medical Technicians. Finally, as a Clinical Nurse Specialist, his role was vital for the infusion of clinical inquiry and evidence based solutions into problem solving strategies for the Joint South Medical Region and contributed to the 959th Medical Group "Effective" rating of the Unit Effectiveness Inspection and the unit's prestigious Joint Commission Accreditation. The distinctive accomplishments of Captain Nham reflect credit upon himself, the 959th Inpatient Operations Squadron and the United States Air Force.

Critical Care Nurse

Captain Raymond Nomel distinguished himself by meritorious service as critical care nurse while assigned to the Intensive Care Flight, 633d Inpatient Operations Squadron, 633d Medical Group, 633d Air Base Wing, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. During this period, Captain Nomel served as a clinical nurse caring for critically ill patients in the Tidewater Enhanced Multi-Service Market, supporting 36.5K beneficiaries and a 257K joint-force population. As charge nurse on a 6-bed intensive care unit, he led 8 staff members and directed care, valued at $350K, for 70 critical patients. A multi-talented clinician, he coordinated 480 hours bed management, for 864 patients, across four inpatient units, which resulted in a 54 percent increase in the Intensive Care Unit occupancy and $1.5M recuperation in obstetrics care. The distinctive accomplishments of Captain Nomel reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Critical Care Nurse

Major Janice M. Pecua distinguished herself by meritorious service as critical care nurse while assigned to the Intensive Care Unit, 673d MDG, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, AK. During this period, Major Pecua served as a clinical nurse caring for critically ill patients in PACAF's largest intensive care unit supporting 166K beneficiaries. She was instrumental to the ABW Air Force Outstanding Unit Award 2011 as the MDG Standardization Chair and Medical Materiel Enterprise Standardization Office representative. Major Pecua coordinated evaluations of 24 medical supplies with 38 inpatient units and clinics, directed local implementation of 16 Incentive Agreements which saved the Department of Defense $9.8M. In addition, she led the revision of 16 outdated Operational Instructions which factored in the "Excellent" Air base Wing Consolidated Unit Inspection rating. The distinctive accomplishments of Major Pecua reflect great credit upon herself and the United States Air Force.

Clinical Nurse

Captain Joel L. Espinosa distinguished himself by meritorious service as Clinical Nurse, 86th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron, 86th Air Base Wing, Ramstein Air Base, Germany. During this period, he guided eight staff with six providers to optimize healthcare for 9.6 thousand active-duty members, 900 aircrew across 3 Wings, two Numbered Air Forces, and 168 Geographically Separated Units. Additionally, he led the Field Response Team nurses during Operation Allies Refuge, the Air Force's largest Noncombatant Evacuation ever by providing medical treatment and safe haven for 35,000 evacuees. As Base and Operational Medicine Clinic Element Leader, Captain Espinosa directed 40 members and managed 15 wing programs to ensure rapid care for 385 Personnel Reliability Program members and 395 Defenders, ensuring an "effective" rating during the Unit Effectiveness Inspection leading to a 3-year Joint Commission accreditation. Furthermore, he developed guidance for the Medical Standards element to transform the return to duty process, improving the wing's mission ready rate to 96 percent, and contributing to a Squadron Team of the Quarter win. Finally, Captain Espinosa drove nursing services in Warrior Medicine Clinic and Flight & Operational Medicine clinic where his leadership was pivotal to the Medical Group winning the Air Force 2021 Clinic of the Year. The distinctive accomplishments of Captain Espinosa reflect credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

OIC, Nursing Education

Major Kevin M. Rynbrandt distinguished himself by meritorious service as OIC, Nursing Education, 445th Aerospace Medicine Squadron, 445th Airlift Wing, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio from XXXXX XXXXX to XXXXX XXXXXX. During this period, Major Rynbrandt maintained educational folders for 13 nursing service personnel, ensuring licensure, employment verification, and continued education credit was obtained, documented, and maintained per policy, leading to his assignment to assist with managing 14 provider credentialing files. Working with the 88th Medical Group credentialing office, he reported deficiencies and developed solutions, preventing any negative effect on Wing readiness. In addition, Major Rynbrandt served as final records reviewer for the Reserve Component Periodic Health Assessment program for more than 500 members annually. He identified discrepancies, ensured all requirements were met, and increased the time physicians could devote to members with complex exam requirements. Finally, he was a key supporter of the Immunization program, assisted with mass flu clinics and ever changing AFRC-directed immunization policies and requirements. During his mobilization in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, Major Rynbrandt met the needs of deploying members and provided immunizations and assisted with waivers for flying personnel and new accessions to the 445th Airlift Wing. The distinctive accomplishments of Major Rynbrandt reflect great credit upon himself, the 445th Aerospace Medicine Squadron, and the United States Air Force.

Clinical Nurse

First Lieutenant Elizabeth N. Glasgow distinguished herself by meritorious service while serving as Clinical Nurse, 81st Inpatient Operation Squadron, 81st Medical Group, Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, from XXXXXXXXX to XXXXXXXXX. During this period, Lieutenant Glasgow trained 14 nurses, eight Medical Interns, and the Squadron Commander on unit operations and provided in-services to 49 staff members while simultaneously caring for over 1200 patients, saving the Air Force more than five million dollars in referral costs. In addition, Lieutenant Glasgow deployed on short notice in support of ENDURING FREEDOM and IRAQI FREDOM where she supported over 10,000 joint and coalition forces. Further, her outstanding leadership and mentorship contributed immensely to the 81st Medical Group winning Air Education and Training Command Best Inpatient Facility Award and The Joint Commission's full accreditation and "Excellent" Health Services Inspection rating. Finally, as a certified chemotherapy infusion nurse, she was the first inpatient nurse to provide chemotherapy post-Hurricane Katrina, contributing to the survival of 28 patients. The distinctive accomplishments of Lieutenant Glasgow reflect credit upon herself, the 81st Inpatient Operation Squadron, and the United States Air Force.

Clinical Nurse, Maternal Child Flight

Captain Sharyn C. Cummins distinguished herself by meritorious service while serving as Clinical Nurse, Maternal Child Flight, 18th Medical Outpatient Squadron, 18th Medical Group, Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan, from XXXXXXXXXX to XXXXXXXXXX. During this period, as Readiness Skills Verification manager, Captain Cummins trained 43 nurses in 30 days after 12 new skill requirements were added, improving the registered nurses' readiness rates by 30 percent and contributing to the Excellent rating received during the Health Services Inspection. Additionally, as the Asthma Clinical Practice Guideline population health monitor, she managed 243 asthmatics for 20 medical providers, meeting Department of Defense CPG standards with a 95 percent compliance rate. Moreover, she pioneered the support of pediatric sports physicals after securing 13 Medical Group, Aerovac, and Red Cross volunteers, enabling an additional 150 patients to be seen and leading to the adoption of AFSO21 process improvement in the Medical Group. Finally, she organized the 3rd annual nursing symposium, attended by more than 50 Triservice and Japanese healthcare professionals, enhancing cross-cultural relations. The distinctive accomplishments of Captain Cummins reflect credit upon herself, the 18th Medical Outpatient Squadron, and the United States Air Force.

OIC, Fetal Protection Program

Major Florence A. Wiest distinguished herself by meritorious service while serving as OIC, Fetal Protection Program, 445th Aerospace Medicine Squadron, 445th Airlift Wing, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio from XXXXX XXXXX to XXXXX XXXXXX. During this period, Major Wiest developed, expanded, and improved the Fetal Health Protection Program and was recognized during the Health Services Inspection (HSI) for maintaining an outstanding and highly visible wing-wide program. Additionally, she deployed in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, serving as supervisor in the only Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility (CASF) in the AOR, moving more than 1800 Aeromedical Evacuation patients and 88 CCATT patients to higher levels of care. Moreover, while deployed, she was activated in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, where she provided medical support for 130 mobilized members. Finally, Major Wiest volunteered as a medical officer in support of both the Joint Task Force - Alaska Road Project, providing medical care at a remote site, and as Medical Commander for the ORI/ORE exercises, ensuring medical readiness and deployability of 189 members, supporting more than 800 participants. The distinctive accomplishments of Major Wiest reflect great credit upon herself, the 445th Aerospace Medicine Squadron and the United States Air Force.

Assistance Nurse Manager

Captain Nathan H. Ayer distinguished himself by meritorious service as Assistance Nurse Manager, Family Practice Clinic, 325th Medical Operations Squadron, 325th Fighter Wing, Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida from XXXXX XXXXXX to XXXXXX XXXXXX. During this period, as Assistance Nurse Manager, Captain Ayer arranged and met the staffing needs of four Primary Care Optimization teams, ensuring access to medical care for 23,000 beneficiaries. Moreover, he enforced the Family Practice Clinic's use of the Third Party Collection Program, recouping over 400,000 dollars. Additonally, Captain Ayer played a pivotal role in the Open Access appointment system, resulting in a 40 percent improvement in efficiency and earning the Family Practice Clinic "Top Performer" in the Air Education and Training Command. Further, he oversaw the Family Practice Clinic Infection Control Program and educated 40 staff members on standards resulting in zero clinic acquired infections. Finally, he was a key factor in the small pox vaccination program with 94 beneficiaries vaccinated, increasing the 325th Fighter Wing and 1st Air Force vaccination rate to 99 percent. The distinctive accomplishments of Captain Ayer reflect great credit upon himself, the 325th Medical Operations Squadron, and the United States Air Force.

Obstetrical Clinical Nurse

Captain Crystal D. Barrera distinguished herself by meritorious service as an Obstetrical Clinical Nurse while assigned to the 81st Inpatient Squadron, 81st Medical Group, Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi. During this period, Captain Barrera renowned herself by rendering quality, perinatal healthcare to 27,000 beneficiaries, including 4,560 active duty members. As the squadron's lead childbirth educator, she taught childbirth and lactation classes to more than 60 expecting couples, saving the Air Force over nine thousand dollars in outsourcing cost. Additionally, Captain Barrera functioned as the unit's self inspection program manager, where she was responsible for auditing 73 flight processes, ensuring one hundred percent compliance, contributing to an "Excellent" rating on the 2010 Wing Unit Compliance Inspection. Furthermore, she facilitated over 200 deliveries, to include 10 spontaneous births without a provider and 20 stat surgical deliveries, resulting in zero untoward events. As a proven expert labor and delivery nurse, her efforts led to the medical group winning the prestigious AETC "Best Inpatient Facility of the Year" for 2008 and 2010. The distinctive accomplishments of Captain Barrera reflect great credit upon herself, the 81st Inpatient Squadron and the United States Air Force.

Clinical Nurse Leader, Post Anesthesia Care Unit

Major Eva M. Sommer distinguished herself by meritorious service as a clinical nurse leader, Post Anesthesia Care Unit, 99th Surgical Operations Squadron, 99th Medical Group, 99th Air Base Wing, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. During this period, Major Sommer led nursing care for the Air Combat Command's largest Post Anesthesia Care Unit to deliver 6.2 million dollars of care supporting a 40 million dollar surgical mission. Additionally, as a nurse practitioner, she directed VA's Traumatic Brain Injury evaluation program, women's health, and mental health screenings, performing over 3.8 thousand Veteran patient encounters nationwide, filling healthcare gaps, and saving more than one thousand hours of patient wait times. Moreover, Major Sommer implemented the use of telehealth technology, improving access to care for over one thousand veterans and fortifying VA compensation, pay, and separation Health Assessment process, performing over two thousand provider evaluations yearly nationwide. Furthermore, Major Sommer educated five new practitioners in Home Risk Assessment and mobile point of care testing, increasing community access to care by five hundred percent. Finally, Major Sommer advanced her role for the facility, certifying to perform pulmonary function and vascular exams, performing 35 clinic Pulmonary Function Tests and interpretation services, decreasing veteran appointment wait times. The distinctive accomplishments of Major Sommer reflect credit upon herself and the United States Air Force.

Clinical Nurse

First Lieutenant Kelly W. Tabor distinguished himself by meritorious service as Clinical Nurse, 96th Medical Operations Squadron, 96th Medical Group, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. During this period, Lieutenant Tabor's exceptional leadership as Charge Nurse supervised the health and recovery of 473 medical, surgical, and pediatric hospitalized patients. He identified and responded to ten emergencies where he directed the lifesaving stabilization and critical care transfers of five neonatal and six adult patients to advanced care. Additionally, Lieutenant Tabor's manning augmentation of Labor and Delivery operations saved $72.8K in patient transfers. As a preceptor, he worked 1,468 hours readying seven new nurses, increasing mission ready staffing by over 13%. As a Sector Commander in the 2011 Operational Readiness Inspection, Lt Tabor directed multiple responses to a wide spectrum of simulated wartime incidents where his superior execution directly contributed to the Wing's Excellent rating. Lastly, Lieutenant Tabor's exceptional clinical skills and leadership supported patient education and care contributing to the Best Hospital award 2011 and 2012, and the 2012 Joint Commission accreditation and Health Services Inspection Excellent rating. The distinctive accomplishments of Lieutenant Tabor reflect credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.