Posted on Apr 1, 2020

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

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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

Posted in these groups: Usphs commissioned corps

U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps Ems

Medical

Medicine

Edited >1 y ago

Posted >1 y ago

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Responses: 7

LTC Jason Mackay

Posted >1 y ago

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.

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SGT Robert Pryor

Posted >1 y ago

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

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CSM Charles Hayden

Posted >1 y ago

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

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MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P

Posted >1 y ago

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.

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CAPT Kevin M. Mc Guinness

1 y

I'm not sure what serving in a DOD component has to do with volunteering to serve the nation in peace and war. Not all members of the Armed Forces serve in combat zones, even though they signed up with a DoD component. But every member of the uniformed services, including PHS officers, is subject to military orders to such service. USPHS officers have risked their lives in every war serving along side their Army, Navy, AF, Marine Corps and CG brothers and sisters. In fact, just like the Navy's provision of medical support to the Marine Corps, the PHS is the provider of medical services for the CG.

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Lt Col Jim Coe

Posted >1 y ago

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.

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SSG Laurie Mullen

>1 y

One of my neighbors retired from the USPHS and she has the blue retiree ID card.

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SSgt Christophe Murphy

>1 y

Falling under the hierarchy of DOD isn't necessarily a requirement. USPHS serve just like other uniformed branches. Just like the Coast Guard who fall under Homeland Security. USPHS get VA services just like the rest of us.

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CAPT Kevin M. Mc Guinness

1 y

PHS officers do receive DD214's upon separation from active duty.

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SGT Robert Pryor

Edited >1 y ago

Posted >1 y ago

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.

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CAPT Kevin M. Mc Guinness

Posted 1 y ago

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

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

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