Photo by Daniel L. Henry, Executive Services All five first sergeants from Walter Reed Army Medical Center’s Medical Center Brigade wear their Order of Military Medical Merit (O2M3) medallions after being inducted into the O2M3 during a ceremony March 1 in Heaton Pavilion’s Joel Auditorium. From left to right are 1st Sgts. Elizabeth M. Everett, Carl L. Vickers, Timothy C. Crutchfield, Ted A. Lewis and Isaac Day.

First Sgts. Timothy C. Crutchfield, Isaac Day, Elizabeth M. Everett, Ted A. Lewis and Carl L. Vickers were welcomed into the ranks of the O2M3 in front of family, friends, co-workers and fellow Soldiers who packed the Heaton Pavilion’s Joel Auditorium for the ceremony.

‘‘This has got to be unprecedented [inducting all five MCB first sergeants in O2M3], and in my opinion, amazing, especially since four waited for the fifth one to get selected,” said Col. John M. Gaal, deputy commander for administration for the Walter Reed Health Care System.Since 1982, the O2M3 has been awarded to recognize excellence and promote fellowship and esprit de corps among Army Medical Department (AMEDD) personnel, according to AMEDD officials. Prospective members of the order go through a rigorous board process, which reviews individuals’ contributions over a career.

‘‘Membership in the Order denotes distinguished service, which is recognized by the senior leadership of the AMEDD,” according to the AMEDD O2M3 Web site. ‘‘Membership in the Order recognizes those individuals who have clearly demonstrated the highest standards of integrity and moral character, displayed an outstanding degree of professional competence, served in the Army Medical Department with selflessness, and made sustained contributions to the betterment of Army Medicine. These individuals are generally considered to be in the top 10 percent of their corps and field.”

The MCB first sergeants said they were honored to just be nominated for induction into the O2M3, and their feelings ranged from shocked, surprised, and humbled to be selected for induction. All were also quick to not take credit for their accomplishments — that they gave to their fellow Soldiers with whom they served, past and present.

‘‘Not only was it pleasing to learn of my selection, it was a surprise,” said Carl L. Vickers, first sergeant of Bravo Company. ‘‘Yet, the nomination and selection are not necessarily ‘my’ achievements, but those of the Soldiers with whom I have served in the past. They deserve the recognition.”

Elizabeth M. Everett, first sergeant of Headquarters Company, said she was also honored to be inducted in the O2M3, and she celebrates daily being a member of ‘‘the best first sergeant team in the AMEDD. The teamwork, mentorship, esprit-de-corps and camaraderie are unprecedented.”

‘‘I was shocked when I was told that I was selected to be inducted into the O2M3,” said Ted A. Lewis, first sergeant of Student Company. ‘‘I did not feel that I deserved to be inducted, but someone saw something in me that was worthy of the induction, and for that, I am very grateful.”

‘‘It is nothing less than an honor,” said Timothy C. Crutchfield, first sergeant of Alpha Company. ‘‘This honor is a direct result of the Soldiers whom I have been blessed to have served with, and for.”

Isaac Day, first sergeant for Charlie Company, also expressed a common sentiment shared among the first sergeants. ‘‘The thing I find most rewarding is serving Soldiers and their families,” said the native of Tarpon Springs, Fla. ‘‘It is also nice being on one of the most dynamic first sergeant teams the AMEDD has to offer. The team of first sergeants here is truly motivated by generosity, not self-interest. Soldiers are more likely to follow altruists, and they instinctively know the difference.”

‘‘When a Soldier approaches me and asks to speak with me, I always make time for the Soldier,” said Vickers, who hails from Norton, Va. ‘‘Many times I find myself calling Soldiers during the late evening hours or even on the weekends. However, being available to those Soldiers is rewarding.”

The first sergeants said it also takes a team effort to motivate, coach, train and mentor Soldiers.

‘‘All successful first sergeants are only one-half of a team,” Vickers added. ‘‘The other part of the team is the company commander. Without having a trusting relationship with the company commander, the job of a first sergeant would be far less enjoyable.”

‘‘The life of a first sergeant is one that runs 24⁄7 for 365 days a year,” said Crutchfield, a Tennessee native. ‘‘Every moment brings about a new challenge that requires a different algorithm for action, but the most rewarding part of being a first sergeant is the ability to positively impact the welfare of Soldiers.”

‘‘There are not enough hours in the day to accomplish everything that needs to be done,” said Everett, who comes from Billings, Mont. But she adds that mentoring and teaching Soldiers is rewarding. ‘‘You see the moment the light goes on, affectionately known as an ‘ah ha’ moment.”

‘‘Kahlil Gibran said it best,” Day added. ‘‘Gibran said, ‘Advance, and never halt, for advancing is perfection. Advance and do not fear the thorns in the path, for they draw only corrupt blood.’”