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Each November we set aside the 11th day to remember all who have served in our Armed Forces. This is the day the First World War ended. I sit in an office surrounded by images of that war every day. This may seem odd for a Civil War museum director, but WWI posters have been a part of my life since I was born. One poster in particular may well have led me to my present position: The Greatest Mother in the World
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From my earliest recollection, the image of war has always been tempered with an image of healing. Please, do not mistake my meaning; war is terrible and costly and should be avoided at all cost. There is no glamor in it. But, there is also a legacy of care, compassion and life affirming activity that has a direct impact on all of us each and every day.
Take the images of the two ambulances above. In 1862 Major Jonathan Letterman organized an ambulance service that has stood the test of time. Taking a slightly different direction than the famous Napoleonic Surgeon Larray, Letterman tied his ambulance system directly to the field hospitals and a chain of aid stations fully supported by medical logistics all under a a defined chain of command at both the hospital and ambulance level. For his contributions to military medicine Letterman is internationally known as the "Father of Battlefield Medicine". His system not only proved effective in the American Civil War, but it was used by the Prussian and later German armies with great success under the name "The American Plan". It is still the basis for much of our military medical evacuation and emergency medical care today.
And that bring me back to honoring our veterans today. We see organizations like the Wounded Warrior Project doing great work on behalf of our veterans; not just in November but everyday! This and so many other great organizations are trying to help and I encourage everyone to support those efforts. There are now efforts to recognize and honor those who develop and provide the unparallelled medical care our warriors receive. Through the Letterman Institute training programs are offered to our medical heroes from the Army, Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard, Public Health Service and VA. In addition to training programs, there is an annual Letterman Award given to organizations and individuals who are changing healthcare for our warriors and for our citizens. If you follow the link to the award, scroll down to the past award recipients. Take a moment to read their incredible contributions. Take a few minutes to honor them. They are heroes no less than any other who serve and their legacy will be felt by our children and their children's children.
In 1862, Major Jonathan Letterman touch our lives today by putting in place a medical evacuation system and emergency medicine system that touches every community in our nation today. Yet few even know his name. Today hundreds of his successors work to save lives, improve patient outcomes and provide the best possible lives for our wounded warriors, and that work will eventually improve all of our lives. Isn't it worth the time to honor them as well?
Consider nominating a military medical professional for the 2015 Letterman Award. Click and download the form, send it in and we will take it from there.
