Page 5 - Journal of Special Operations Medicine - Winter 2015

from the

SOMA PRESIDENT

llow me to introduce myself to Medical Lessons Learned to the Con-
Athe SOF medical community. I am ventional Force” In the event that any
Command Master Chief Steve Viola. I open slots are still available after the
have been a SOF medic/corpsman since conventional forces have registered, then
1993 and been a part of SOMA since registration will be opened to SOMA
1994. As I step into the role of SOMA Steven Viola members.
president, I would like to take a mo- SOCM, ATP, NREMT-P
ment to thank LTC Mabry for the stra- Planning for the Special Operations
tegic vision that he, along with a host of others, have Medical and Scientific Assembly in May 2016 has also
had for this world class organization. I look forward to begun with preparation for the labs, main sessions, and
maintaining that vision and expanding the membership breakouts well under way. Thank you to everyone who
of SOMA. has already participated in making this a great event by
submitting an abstract or volunteering to participate
My background has provided me a unique perspective on the program planning committee. Please spread the
from the “sled dog” level. I have had the distinct plea- word so that as many medics as possible can attend.
sure of having one foot in the line side and one in the
medical provider side. I do not take these relationships Speaking of spreading the word . . . are your colleagues
for granted. I look forward to effectively communicat- SOMA members? Many in the SOF medical commu-
ing across domains, being a translational element that nity have not yet heard that SOMA membership is now
is always available to discuss opportunities, and lever- much more than attendance at SOMSA. In addition to
aging my background, experience, and relationships discounted registration at SOMSA, by joining SOMA
toward advancing SOMA’s mission and strategic goals. members will receive a subscription to this publication,
SOMA’s official journal, as well as exclusive access to
Planning is almost complete for our upcoming SOMA online resources, networking, and leadership opportuni-
Symposium (formerly known as mini-SOMA) in San ties. Invite a colleague to join online today through the
Marcos, Texas, on 14–16 December. We would not SOMA website at www.specialoperationsmedicine.org.
be able to hold this event without the support of our
vendors. There are currently more than 60 vendors All the best and with much respect.
supporting this endeavor. Registration is open, and we “Keeping names off walls”
are excited to have the opportunity to “Translate SOF Steve

iii