An awarding ceremony marked the end of the “benchmark mission” for the 4th Medical and Dental Battalion, 4th Marine Logistics Group, which participated in a two-week Innovative Readiness Training on Saipan.
Officials from the Department of Public Health, the Commonwealth Health Center and the National Park Service, as well some patients, thanked the more than 30 military doctors and dentists who provided medical and dental care to about 1,500 patients.
The military doctors and dentists were preparing for a troop formation on CHC grounds when it rained.
They then proceeded to CHC’s Public Health and Hemodialysis Center.
A mother and a child in wheelchair and CHC personnel were among those who witnessed the awarding ceremony.
Col. Roger Machut, deputy commander, 4th Marine Logistics Group, awarded Navy Achievement Medals to Lt. Cmdr. Ronald Knight, administrative officer and preventive officer; HM1 Zachary Mountz, biomedical repair technician; HM2 Tammy Cook, dental hygienist; and HM3 Travis Silver, pharmacy technician.
Machut also commended the other military personnel who extended services to Saipan residents.
“This is a tremendous experience for them,” said Machut in an interview after the ceremony.
He noted that they exceeded their target of 900 patients.
“We support holding this mission on a larger scale next year,” Machut said as he thanked the CNMI for inviting them.
He also commended Chief Ranger Bryan Piercy and Park Ranger Nancy Kelchner of American Memorial Park, who received a plaque and a ceremonial Navy coin.
Piercy and Kelchner, for their part, handed historic visit certificates to some of the military doctors and dentists whose fathers or grandfathers served in the Saipan and Iwo Jima campaigns.
They also awarded medals to Machut and each of the 37 members of 4th Medical and Dental Battalion.
For their part, Public Health Medical Director Richard Brostrom and CHC facility administrator John Flores expressed gratitude to the military doctors and dentists.
“My staff will miss you all. Keep up the good work,” said Flores.
“Each of you made a difference and exceeded our expectations,” Brostrom said.
“You did not only provide smiles, but also improved the healthcare of our people and for that we are very grateful,” he added.
