A Message from the Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs

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Colleagues,

Once again, the past two weeks have been truly inspiring. I am continually amazed at the level of talent within the Military Health System. Every place I visit, the professionalism, the passion and the commitment to excellence are simply second to none.

This was clearly demonstrated at the Heroes of Military Medicine ceremony which I attended last Thursday night at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. Hosted by Dr. Joseph Caravalho and the Henry M. Jackson Foundation, the evening was a powerful reminder of our mission and the people who bring it to life. Several military health care leaders were recognized at this event. The Army recognized Colonel (Doctor) Benjamin Donham; the Navy recognized Captain (Doctor) Matthew Tadlock; the Air Force recognized Colonel (Doctor) Daniel Brown; and the Defense Health Agency recognized Dr. Troy Akers. The May 8th event coincided with the 80th anniversary of V-E Day, always a solemn reminder of our need to be vigilant and ever-ready while also reminding us of the many unsung heroes who saved innumerable lives and contributed to the proud tradition of military medicine.

Seeing firsthand the dedication and commitment of these individuals—true heroes in every sense of the word—was a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. They really embody the professionalism and readiness that defines our medical force. I congratulate all our awardees for their accomplishments and, perhaps most importantly, how they support a Medically Ready Force and a Ready Medical Force.

As the only United States health care system that goes to war, we must have the best medical talent to take care of America’s sons and daughters. Our unwavering commitment to our warfighters and their families is what sets us apart. Readiness is not just a slogan—it’s our operational reality. Thank you to all who continue to advance this mission every day.

I also had the great privilege of participating in the Cellular Therapies and Transfusion Medicine in Trauma and Critical Care Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona. This insightful event brought together leading experts in trauma, transfusion, and regenerative medicine to explore emerging therapies and technologies. Sessions focused on cellular and blood-derived therapeutics, regenerative strategies for organ and tissue repair, and innovations in hemorrhage control, particularly in trauma and battlefield settings.

Discussions also highlighted advancements in stem cell-derived blood components, novel plasma-based treatments for sepsis and TBI, and gene-editing technologies for enhancing cell therapy applications. Military-focused panels addressed strategies for managing organ failure, brain injury, and wound care in austere environments, emphasizing collaboration between civilian and military medicine. As we confront unprecedented challenges in the Indo-Pacific battle space, these types of innovations empower more effective resuscitative techniques and prolonged field care, providing the strategic edge we need to fight and win.

What struck me most was the emphasis on collaboration, particularly between civilian and military medicine. This really resonated with me because, as I said at the Military Health System Conference in Cleveland, relationships are the pathway to progress. I truly believe that.

So, I want to extend a personal thanks to each of you. Thank you for working together across offices and teams to strengthen relationships and support our warfighters. They depend on us, and together we are making a difference. Thank you for all that you do—it doesn’t go unnoticed.

Very respectfully,

Steve

Stephen Ferrara, M.D.

Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs

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