Is the U.S. Surgeon General considered a Veteran, given that the position is a political one, and appointed by the POTUS?

MSgt Neil Greenfield — Wed, 01 Apr 2020 10:45:34 -0400

The U.S. Surgeon General holds the rank of Vice Admiral in the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, overseeing the operations of approximately 6,500 uniformed health officers who serve in nearly 800 locations around the world, promoting, protecting, and advancing the health and safety of our nation.

Also, what about the ribbons that are worn by every Surgeon General? What do they represent and how were they earned?

A link to the current U.S. Surgeon General is below:

https://www.hhs.gov/about/leadership/jerome-adams/index.html

VADM Jerome M. Adams, M.D., M.P.H.

VADM Jerome M. Adams, M.D., M.P.H., is the U.S. Surgeon General.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Apr 1 at 2020 10:49 AM

CSM Charles Hayden — Wed, 01 Apr 2020 10:49:23 -0400

MSgt Neil Greenfield Great Question! I shall await the responses you receive.

Response by SGT Robert Pryor made Apr 1 at 2020 11:31 AM

SGT Robert Pryor — Wed, 01 Apr 2020 11:31:32 -0400

His awards and decorations are:
Public Health Service Outstanding Service Medal
Public Health Service Outstanding Unit Citation
Public Health Service Unit Commendation
Public Health Service Crisis Response Service Award
Humanitarian Service Medal
Public Health Service Regular Corps Ribbon
Commissioned Corps Training Ribbon

Response by SGT Robert Pryor made Apr 1 at 2020 11:35 AM

SGT Robert Pryor — Wed, 01 Apr 2020 11:35:28 -0400

According to wikipedia: "The United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps (PHSCC), also referred to as the Commissioned Corps of the United States Public Health Service, is the federal uniformed service of the U.S. Public Health Service (PHS), and is one of the eight uniformed services of the United States."

So, yes, the surgeon general could be considered a veteran, provided they meet all other qualifications.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Apr 1 at 2020 3:45 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Wed, 01 Apr 2020 15:45:32 -0400

The USPHS probably don't get a DD-214 because they are part of the Department of Health and Human Services not the DoD. Certainly their service deserves our respect.

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Apr 1 at 2020 10:13 PM

MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P — Wed, 01 Apr 2020 22:13:07 -0400

Interesting question MSgt Neil Greenfield. I hadn't considered it before you brought it up. Honestly, it didn't even register with me they were wearing a uniform. I suppose technically as a "uniformed branch of the public health service" they would qualify. For me personally, unless they have served in a DoD component I would not consider them military veterans. That's just my own personal opinion though.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Apr 1 at 2020 10:29 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Wed, 01 Apr 2020 22:29:48 -0400

As a member of the Uniformed Public Health Service, federal law gave them veteran status. https://www.military.com/militaryadvantage/2018/04/27/VA-Opens-ID-Card-Program-USPHS-NOAA-Veterans.html

VA Opens ID Card Program to USPHS, NOAA Veterans

The fix to the online ID card application was made after a Military.com story highlighted to the problem.

Response by CAPT Kevin M. Mc Guinness made Nov 13 at 2023 1:04 AM

CAPT Kevin M. Mc Guinness — Mon, 13 Nov 2023 01:04:32 -0500

All regular officers of the PHS Commissioned Corps are nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate.