McConnell medic earns Heroes of Military Medicine award

by Airman 1st Class David Bernal Del Agua
22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

5/5/2014 - MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- A Team McConnell medic received the 2014 Heroes of Military Medicine award, May 1, in Washington, D.C., for his work advancing and impacting military medicine.

Senior Master Sgt. David Smith, now a career advisor with the 22nd Force Support Squadron, provided medical care for more than 500 Joint Operations Task Force and Air Force Special Operations Detachment personnel without a loss of life or limb as a special operations independent duty medical technician and paramedic over the course of five years.

"It's an honor to be selected for this award," said Smith. "It is extremely humbling looking at the past recipients and thinking that, out of the entire amazing medical mission being conducted in the Air Force, I am the one being highlighted over other people that are doing great things every day."

He was selected to serve as the subject matter expert liaison between the Air Force Special Operations Command and Baltimore Shock Trauma Center for the Sustainment of Trauma and Readiness Skills program at the University of Maryland in April 2005.

According to the Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine Inc. website, Smith led the largest trauma training platform in the Department of Defense, making sure more than 1,300 providers, nurses and technicians received the right training for today's military operations.

"It's about practicing your skills when you are not performing them in a dangerous environment and continuously trying to be the best at your craft," said Smith.

His revision of the Advanced Medic Course lectures, lab procedures, and patient simulation scenarios prepared more than 300 special operations medics.

Smith thanked all the people that helped him throughout his career and also his family.

"It took a lot to sharpen me and take me to where I am today," said Smith. "I have an entire legion of people who have trained me, held me accountable, and challenged me, even when I didn't want them to at times."

John W. Lowe, HJFAMM Inc., president and chief executive officer, and Cynthia L. Gilman, HJFAMM Inc., vice president, presented the award to Smith.