Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Alumna Receives 2009 Health and Safety Officer Responder of the Year Award

Lt. Cmdr. Morrisa B. Rice, MHA, RS (M.A. ’99) of Rockville, MD, received the 2009 Health and Safety Officer (HSO) Responder of the Year Award on May 25, 2010, in San Diego, CA. Surgeon General VADM Regina Benjamin and Chief Professional Officer RADM Michael Milner presented the award, citing “extraordinary contributions to the Public Health Service and the Health Services Category with regard to responding to critical events impacting the health of others.” The award was bittersweet for Rice, whose father passed away on March 8. She dedicated the award to him for encouraging her with the phrase “plan your work and work your plan.” Her dad had always been the inspiration to pursue a career in the health care field. He survived triple bypass surgery and dialysis for 10 years and moved efficiently on two prosthetic legs as a result of his struggle with diabetes. When Rice was promoted to lieutenant commander in 2008, her dad had a front row seat at the promotion ceremony. Rice continues to be encouraged by her dad’s strong will and determination to enjoy life, and she relishes the advice he gave her.

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