Joint Base Andrews, MD –
Excitement in the room was evident. Beach balls bounced around the theater while the crowd got in place. Then the Medical Equipment Repair Center Band who is a percussion group that uses discarded medical equipment and piping as their instruments started to play. Cowbell players who were lead by our deputy commander of the 779th Medical Group, Colonel Brian Decker sounded out as the crowd roared with excitement.
The announcer asked, "MED GROUP are you in the house?" The Air Force crowd of medics, nurses, doctors and support staff stood and rang out a cheer of support.
"I am happy and proud for all of our 779th Medical Group medics. Every day, they provide outstanding patient-centric health care to our enrolled beneficiaries, to Joint Base Andrews and to all DoD beneficiaries in the National Capital Region (NCR). It is wonderful when outside agencies such as the Joint Commission and the Health Services Inspection (HSI) Team validate that "Outstanding," said Colonel Rudolph Cachuela, 779th Medical Group Commander.
In order for a Medical Treatment Facility (MTF) to obtain an outstanding rating there is an expectation of consistently superior performance. "Outstanding" indicates performance or operation far exceeding mission requirements. Procedures and activities are carried out in a far superior manner. Resources and programs are very efficiently managed and are exceptional. It is the highest rating you can get. This is the first HSI "Outstanding" rating ever received by the 779th Medical Group.
"Thanks to all the hard working medics in 779th Medical Group and the leadership team that brought us to this "OUTSTANDING" result on the Health Services Inspection," said Maj. Gen. Gerard Caron, 79th Medical Wing Commander.
"The IG Team validated what we see from you every single day: focus on the mission, the highest quality of care for our patients, energy and enthusiasm that shouts out your pride in serving as Airmen and Air Force Medics. This medical group has everything it takes to meet the future challenges of executing the BRAC mandates in partnership with our Army, Navy and local civilian medical colleagues while building a reliable, if never before tried, model for a currency platform for Air Force medics in the NCR that supports our important deployment readiness, aeromedical evacuation and Homeland Defense missions," said Maj. Gen. Caron.
"I'm ECSTATIC that our Medical Group scored an OUTSTANDING from HSI. I couldn't be more proud of each & every medic, for their superhuman work on this pinnacle achievement. Above all, I'm extremely lucky to work for Col. Rudy Cachuela and his Executive Staff, who inspired this success," said Elaine Wilhelm-Hass, 779th Medical Group Accreditation/Quality Director.
"Thank you for the opportunity to inspect you. Every encounter was awesome," said Col. Nancy Opheim, Team Inspection Leader for the Air Force Inspection Agency. The remarks excited the crowd as they stood and gave tremendous applause.
Senior Master Sgt. Tommy Belcher received a coin from the HSI Team leader for the outstanding job he did as the HSI team reception project officer.
The HSI Inspector also announced the following service members as OUTSTANDING PERFORMERS during the inspection:
Master Sgt. Adam Kohnen
Master Sgt. Nancy Turner
Major Jennifer Lavergne
Mrs. Elaine Wilhelm-Hass
Colonel Cachuela also recognized the following OUTSTANDING PERFORMERS with a coin:
Airman First Class Ronnie McFayden
Staff Sgt. Ricky Hopper
Staff Sgt. Rykeshia Haywood
Master Sgt. Cynthia Pinkney
Master Sgt. Jeff Harmon
Master Sgt. Nakeia Green
Capt. Patrick Rohal
Capt. Sara Spearing
Maj. Nicole Stoneburg
Maj. Kristin Carlson
Colonel Cachuela also recognized the efforts of 13 individuals with certificates of appreciation for being the escorts to the HSI teams.
The Joint Commission Inspection occurred at the same time as the HSI. They determine accreditation for Malcolm Grow Medical Center. Results from the Joint Commission Inspection will not be released for several weeks. But they left saying we had no major write ups.
The event ended with a room of cheers. Then Colonel Cachuela led the room in a new cheer. "WE ARE ....Malcolm Grow! WE ARE....Malcolm Grow! WE ARE.....OUTSTANDING!