Lake County Journal

Hospital Corpsman celebrate 114th birthday

HM2 Thomas Cox has the honor of cutting the birthday cake at the 114th Hospital Corpsman birthday June 15. Awaiting their serving is the youngest sailor present (left), HR Kyle Hudson; guest speaker CMDCM Christopher R. Angstead, RTC Great Lakes; and the oldest sailor at the event, retired Lt. Cmdr. David Lash. (Photo by)

By HM3 Nathan

Great Lakes Hospital Corpsmen gathered to celebrate the 114th Hospital Corpsman birthday with a ball at the Midlane Country Club, Wadsworth, Ill., June 15.
    CMDCM Christopher R. Angstead (a Navy Hospital Corpsman), RTC Great Lakes, was the guest speaker at the event attended by 300.
    Prior to taking over the top enlisted billet at RTC, Angstead served as command master chief, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific (MARFORPAC) for over 91,000 Marines and sailors.
    The evening's masters of ceremony were HMC David Cousins, HM1 Sherril Dickerson, HM2 Thomas Cox, and HN Jordan Stansbury.
    In a message released to the fleet Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON)(SS/SW) Rick D. West said:
    "You are an exceptional group of men and women, whose dedication to duty and willingness to put others before self is evident throughout your heroic history. Loblolly Boy, Bayman, Doc ... the name may have changed several times, but the pride and professionalism have remained constant. Whether you are providing top-notch healthcare at home, underway and abroad, or life-saving treatment on the battlefield, you are a vital part of our Navy and Marine Corps team.
    "Thank you for all that you do in providing outstanding medical support and treatment for our sailors, Marines, families and retirees. Happy birthday Navy Corpsmen ... you're making a difference every day as you have your last 114 years."
    The evening began with parading the colors. The team was made up of HM1 Vincent Bell, HM3 Juan Wongpicot, HN Christopher Davis, and HN Basiru Yatim.
    HM3 Linnie Crudup sang the National Anthem.
    The POW/MIA table was honored by the team of HN Maria Reyes, HM3 Hannah Torres, HM2 Jonathan Stewart, HM3 Edward Jones, and HN Miguel Vargas.
    The highlight of the evening was the cake-cutting ceremony that recognized the youngest and oldest sailor present.
    HM2 Cox had the honor of cutting the cake using a ceremonial cutlass. He presented a piece to the youngest sailor present, HR Kyle Hudson, guest speaker Angstead, and and the oldest, retired Lt. Cmdr. David Lash.