Southwest Asia -- The Expeditionary Medical Group physical therapist is the recipient of the 2014 Air Mobility Command United States Air Force Biomedical Clinician Field Grade Officer of the Year award.
Air Force Maj. Jon, who is a native of Mascoutah, Ill., said he received notice of winning the award from Col. Kevin Wright, EMDG commander, while he was treating his morning patients.
“Maj Jon has done tremendous work since arriving in October, and I can clearly see how he won this award,” said Wright. “He goes above and beyond in everything he does.”
Jon was credited in part in the award citation with soaring as the patient centered medical home flight commander, leading 33 members for five months while overseeing more than 7 thousand patients and nearly 25 thousand visits for the 375th Medical Operations Squadron. His efforts were instrumental to driving the group’s number one rating for Mental Health System acute access.
Jon is no stranger when it comes to bringing home high level awards. His previous awards include having won the U.S. Air Force Company Grade Officer of the year in 2006 while serving as a physical therapist at Charleston Air Force Base, S.C.
Jon said it is an honor to being selected as this year’s AMC annual award winner, but was quick to include those who he has led to share in the accolades.
“This award validates the hard work that the men and women I have had the privilege of leading at my home station put in, from civilians to active duty,” said Jon. “It has been an honor and privilege to have the opportunity to lead, so I am thankful I have had that opportunity.”
Jon, currently deployed from Scott Air Force Base, Ill., said that being here in Southwest Asia really brings home the importance of what we do at home station.
“Everything we are doing at home station is put into perspective,” said Jon. “It’s good to see that what we are doing here is important but more so at home station and getting people prepared to come here.”
"Maj Jon is a phenomenal Air Force leader,” said Lt. Col. Christine Berberick, 375th MDOS commander. “He is dedicated and compassionate and knows how to take care of people. It was no surprise at all when he was selected for promotion and AMC's
Field Grade BSC Clinician of the year. We know we are lucky to have him.”
(Editor’s note: Due to safety and security reasons, last names and unit designators were removed.)