Story by Spc. Brandy Mort, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
In honor of Women's Equality Day, established today in 1971, we're pleased to profile one of our own and her accomplishments.
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Col. Charles Jones presents a Meritorious Service Medal to Capt. Stephanie Fields in Frankfort, Ky., July 3, 2013. Fields was awarded for her work as the deputy state surgeon for the Kentucky National Guard, for which she also received the Maj. Gen. Deborah C. Wheeling for excellence in that position. (Photo by David Altom)
FRANKFORT Ky. – As Deputy State Surgeon for the Kentucky National Guard's Joint Force Headquarters, Capt. Stephanie Fields doesn’t give up easily and she’s always looking for ways she that she can improve systems already put into place.
She has been the Deputy State Surgeon for six out of the ten years of her service and because of her hard work and determination Fields has received various awards, and was recently awarded the Maj. Gen. Deborah C. Wheeling Deputy State Surgeon Award of Excellence.
“I've received two Army Achievement Medals,” said Fields, “One was for supporting wounded warriors while on Title 10 orders and the other was for work with Combat Life Savers training improvements. I’ve also received the Meritorious Service Medal for contributions as the Deputy State Surgeon and the Maj. Gen. Deborah C. Wheeling award for improvements made in health services that impacts Soldiers and Commanders .”
Fields has done a lot for the state of Kentucky, including improving the medical readinesss of Kentucky’s Guardsmen.
“Kentucky has made tremendous strides in the realm of medical readiness,” said Fields, “In 2007, Kentucky was at 9% readiness. Today we are at 86%. I believe one of the biggest contributing factors is the emphasis placed on medically ready Soldiers by commanders and leadership.”
Serving in the medical field has given Fields insight for both the military and civilian sides.
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Capt. Stephanie Fields discusses the medical readiness of the Kentucky National Guard during a personnel meeting in Frankfort, Ky., May 28, 2013. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
“I think every medical person should spend some time serving,” said Fields. “Caring for Soldiers has given me a different perspective as a medical professional. Soldiers have issues that stem from something that is a result of deployments and family separation. Life goes on at home, even during a two-week annual training, that is time a Soldier spends away from their family, they deserve all the support we can give them for their sacrifices.”
Fields hopes that she is an asset to the Kentucky National Guard because she has the Soldiers best interest at heart. She hopes to continue to help the Soldiers of Kentucky at all costs is the main goal for Fields in the future.
“I am dedicated to the Soldier, organization and the people in my department that motivate me every day with their own dedication.” Said Fields, “Many times we have received last minute request and/or see a need we can support them. Whatever it takes, we will make it happen.”