WRNMMC, Bethesda, MD –
Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) Hospital Director Army Brig. Gen. Jack M. Davis concluded four decades of military service during a retirement ceremony held in the hospital’s Memorial Auditorium, Sept. 9.
National Capital Region (NCR) Director, Rear Adm. Anne Swap, presided as officiating officer, and Lt. Gen. R. Scott Dingle, surgeon general and commanding general of the U.S. Army Medical Command, presented awards.
Davis was presented with the Army Distinguished Service Medal and the AMEDD 30-Year Medallion for his more than 30 years of service, while his wife, Mrs. Jacquie Davis was inducted as an Honorary Member of the Regiment (HMOR) by Dingle.
“Dr. [Martin Luther] King once said, ‘Not everyone can be famous, but everyone can be great, because greatness is defined by service,” Davis shared. “If that is true, and I believe it is, then I stand among giants and I’m awed by their service.”
These were Davis’ opening remarks as he addressed senior leaders, family, friends and the WRNMMC team.
Throughout his speech, Davis focused more on addressing those in attendance and those who have been with him throughout his career to include his family, military leaders and the Walter Reed staff and the Army Nurse Corps.
“I’m so humbled for having that rare privilege to serve with you [Army Nurse Corps] for this brief moment in time,” he said. It’s the honor of my life and I thank you for the opportunity and I’m incredibly grateful to the former chiefs for showing me the way.”
Davis, also the 26th Chief of the Army Nurse Corps, assumed authority of WRNMMC more than a year ago, and under his leadership, WRNMMC has continued to maintain its readiness, provide acute, urgent, emergent, routine, and readiness care in-person and virtually, and developed innovative and evidence-based policies and procedures adopted as best practices for military medical treatment facilities (MTF) in the NCR Market and across the Military Health System (MHS).
“I used to tell the young Soldiers at METC this wasn’t a job, but a profession and that your profession was your identity, who you were,” Davis shared as he reflected on who he would be in a very short time.
“I had an epiphany,” shared Davis. “I will forever more be United States Army, Army Medicine and an Army Nurse Corps officer.”
Recognized as the “Flagship of Military Medicine,” WRNMMC brings a lot to what Davis refers to as “the fight,” and credits the staff and leaders for their continued success.
In his closing remarks, Davis shared what he thought was what made WRNMMC special.
“It’s the people. People who know that what they do every day is important and how it supports our nation,” shared Davis. “And for that, I give my most heartfelt thanks and gratitude. I cannot think of a job I would’ve rather had as my last duty assignment.”
“Davis, a native of San Antonio, began his military career as a U.S. Armor Officer, and later began his service in the U.S. Army Medical Department (AMEDD) in 1989. His education includes two bachelor’s degrees from Arizona State University and a Master of Nursing Science degree from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences.