By Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
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Maj. Jason Finley (left) and Maj. Michael Rice with the 41st Civil Support Team were recipients of the Army Medical Department's "A" proficiency designator for professional excellence. Both serve as medical operations officers with the 42st. (Courtesy photo)
FRANKFORT, Ky. -- Annually the Army Medical Department (AMEDD) awards the prestigious 9A proficiency designator to a small handful of Army officers. This year, three of the awardees were National Guardsmen, and two of those three were from Kentucky's 41st Civil Support Team.
Majs. Jason Finley and Michael Rice, medical operations officers with the 41st CST are the first Kentucky Guardsmen to earn the designation.
"Maj. Rice and I were both blessed to be considered and awarded the Army Medical Department 9A proficiency designator this year," said Finley.
"I would have to say this is a great honor and milestone in my career," said Rice. "My passion will always be for people and how to better serve patients and the Kentucky National Guard through
forward thinking and implementation of those ideas that will make each better."
The 9A designator is the highest recognition for professional excellence in the AMEDD. The AMEDD "A" proficiency designator is an honor bestowed upon candidates approved by the Army Surgeon General for professional excellence, who have attained full professional status, and have achieved national prominence in their field. Candidates must be leaders in their specialty, and have made significant contributions to the advancement of knowledge in a particular field.
Applicants must be a distinct asset to the AMEDD, both as an officer as well as a professional specialist. Finally, those officers selected must have had at least 15 years of professional experience, with at least 10 of those years being on active duty in the Army.
Finley was one of 37 officers chosen from the Medical Service Corps, while Rice was one of 12 Officers chosen from the Medical Specialist Corps.
"Even after four years on this team, I continue to be amazed by the skills, knowledge, and professionalism of its members," said Maj. Kris Morlen, commander of the 41st. "This accomplishment by Maj. Finley and Maj. Rice is a testament to their ongoing quest for excellence, and is indicative of the passion by which they, and our other team members pursue this calling. I find myself at a loss for words to describe the pride I have in them for earning this prestigious honor."