The Joseph Garcia Jr. Award

The Joseph Garcia, Jr. Award was developed to promote the future leadership of the PHS by honoring a junior (O-2 through O-4) member of the Health Services Category or equivalent civil service professional who has made a significant contribution to the advancement of the Nation's health, demonstrated leadership in their work, and show involvement in health-related professional or community organizations or activities. The award is presented annually at the Commissioned Officers Association meeting.

The award was established in honor of CAPT Joseph Garcia, Jr. (Ret), whose career demonstrated outstanding leadership, initiative, and dedication to improving the health of the Nation. CAPT Garcia was a role model and inspiration to junior and senior health professional alike.

Nominations may come from a supervisor, professional colleague, or anyone who, through a professional working relationship, can attest to the impact of the nominee's contributions to the advancement of public health. Self-nominations will not be accepted. Nomination packets must include:

1. Nomination cover sheet.
2. Narrative, not to exceed 2 pages (font size 10 or 12), that describes:
1. The nominee's contributions to the advancement of the nation's health. Nominations should address the impact of the work and the role of the nominee,
2. The leadership of the nominee in the work being cited (e.g., providing vision or direction; developing an innovative approach; initiating significant activities; pursuing ongoing professional development; mentoring; etc.) and
3. Involvement of the nominee in health-related professional or community organizations or activities.
3. Current curriculum vitae and CV summary sheet (per HSO guidelines).
4. Please send nominations electronically to:

   CDR(sel) Felicia Williams or LT Elizabeth Claverie Williams

The person selected for this distinguished award will be announced at the annual Commissioned Officer Association meeting to be held in Tucson, AZ.

If you are unable to submit nomination material electronically, you must submit 5 copies of each item. Please mail these items to:

Felicia B. Williams, Ph.D.
CDR(sel), USPHS
Food and Drug Administration
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition
Office of Food Additive Safety
5100 Paint Branch Parkway, HFS-255
College Park, MD 20740

Nominations for the Joseph Garcia, Jr. Award are solicited at the beginning of the year and are due in early spring.  Information on the award process and nomination due dates are sent electronically to all HSOs, via the HSO listserv, and is published in the Commissioned Corps Bulletin.  Members of the HS PAC are not eligible for this award during their term on the Committee.

* Current voting members of the HS PAC are not eligible to receive this award.
** All Nominees must meet and maintain Readiness Standard throughout the year.

Recipients of the Joseph Garcia Jr. Award