Page 145 - Journal of Special Operations Medicine - Spring 2015

with the VA, that they get timely, quality care. I really en- be a police officer, a surgeon, Surgeon General. Opportu-
joyed my time on the TCCC and as [vice president] of the nities arose, and because of the Special Forces training I
Defense Health Board. Both groups provide extraordinary had, I always felt I was positioned to be able to appreciate
value to the health and care of our Warriors. opportunities that crossed my path. And I was prepared
to accept the opportunity to transition into another area
Any guidance for the community because of my Special Forces training, discipline, and
on life–work balance? mission focus. But I really feel that the Army and Spe-
Being an operator in Special Forces or whatever your [Mil- cial Forces especially trained me to have a certain focus
itary Occupational Specialty] is, is really truly selfless ser- on mission and how to accomplish a mission. So going
vice and sacrifice because it’s very difficult. It’s almost like to school, becoming a surgeon, becoming the Surgeon
being a surgical resident. You have no time for family life, General—they’re all missions. How do you get there? I
you really have no quality time for relationships, and the didn’t plan those things, but as opportunities approached
divorce rate is high. The lack of meaningful relationships me, I was able to navigate them and come out the other
is high. Because if they ain’t operating, as in tactical op- end successfully.
erating, then they are in training. You know the op tempo
is always high. So trying to find a significant other is hard. Closing thoughts for the community?
Try to find a significant relationship, and keep it. Hope- To this day, I am most proud of having been able to be-
fully, one . . . willing to let you go for months at a time. And come part of the Special Operations community, to be
over years, it’s really tough. So I recognize the difficulties, a Special Forces medic. It allowed me to appreciate
and we are extraordinarily fortunate to have young War- many more opportunities throughout my life, including
riors who are willing to take on the toughest of jobs in the ultimately becoming a trauma surgeon and the Surgeon
military and subordinate their own self- interest. You know General of the United States. I would also say that I thank
it’s truly selfless service. And let’s not forget the significant our young Warriors in Special Ops for the sacrifices they
others who are selfless in their dedication to us, the op- make every day to carry out the missions they are given.
erators, and who live our battles vicariously every day.
The opinions or assertions contained herein are the private
Future plans?
views of the author and are not to be construed as official or
Life is what’s happening when you’re planning. I never as reflecting the views of the Department of the Army or the
planned to be a Special Forces medic; I never planned to Department of Defense.

Special Talk: An Interview 135