Chapter 13: Presidential Medal Ceremony
Friday, February 17
April returned to the exam room and popped the x-ray of Owen's chest and ribs onto the reader, commenting, "Just look! Fantastic." She walked over and palpated Owen's abdomen as Amelia sat next to the exam table, "Chief, how's your pain in this area?"
"Non-existent," Owen shared as his shirtless body rested flat on the exam table. His right hand was under his neck and his left hand rested on Amelia's shoulder.
"Any tenderness?" April asked as she pushed firmly around the gunshot area.
"Nope. Muscle weakness, sure, but that's because I haven't been able to work the muscles in weeks," Owen responded with his eyes gazing toward the ceiling.
"How about here?" she wondered aloud as she palpated along his right side where he'd been kicked.
"Nothing. No tenderness. All the bruising faded a few weeks ago. I'm ready to start ab and back weights. Do I have your go ahead?" Owen sought to clarify.
"Absolutely. One day short of six weeks. Look how far you've come," April celebrated. "I'm signing off the case. Of course, let me know if you experience new pain or symptoms." Extending her hand, April shook both Owen and Amelia's hands. They both thanked her once again for all she'd done for Owen.
"We'll see you on Monday at McChord, huh?" Owen asked as April began to step out.
"Can't wait," April smiled. "I'll find Dr. Torres and send her in."
Callie stepped in a few minutes later, gazing down at the iPad, "Cleared from Gen Surg, huh? Now I've got you all to myself," she kidded.
"Aaahhhh," Owen chuckled.
"Here's where we're at," Callie summarized as she placed the leg x-rays on the reader. "Take a look."
Amelia walked over to get a closer view. Owen stayed on the table, sat up and analyzed what he saw. Callie described her impressions, "The bone bruising is healing well. That's going to be your most annoying and lingering injury, but you already knew that. I'd say it's ahead of schedule in terms of what I'd expect by now. We're going to change the brace out today and begin bending the knee in rehab. You still need to use the crutches, but you can put 15-20% of your weight on the right leg. Back way off if it starts to hurt. As time goes on and if it doesn't hurt, you can periodically try a cane."
"As soon as Monday?" Owen asked hopefully.
"Nah, crutches on Monday. Cane no earlier than a couple weeks from now. Sorry," Callie ordered.
Monday, February 20
The medal ceremony for Owen, Risa, and April was the opening event for a day focused upon military medical providers and their contributions. Behind the scenes, Owen and the President sat in a conference room as they waited for their cue. The President asked Owen all sort of questions about practicing medicine in the field. Finley, wearing his brand-new suit and anticipating speaking in front of a large crowd, was appropriately anxious as he sat next to his dad. Finley would be reading his essay after being introduced by the President.
Amelia, all the kids, Debra, April, Jackson, and Risa's parents were already seated in the front row. Before the President arrived, they had all spent the morning walking through the ceremony. After the ceremony, the President would pose for pictures with the recipients. That evening, the adults would attend a formal reception.
Just before the President and Owen walked to the stage, an aide came in to show Finley to his seat. Owen wrapped Finley in a bear hug and assured his son once again that he'd do well. Encouraging Finley to breathe deeply and slowly, Owen reminded him to catch Amelia's eyes so she could let him know if he was speaking too fast and needed to slow down. The President walked a few steps with Finley and reassured him. He gave him helpful advice that calmed Finley's quickly beating heart in the moment, but Finley wasn't able to remember the advice after the event.
In the presentation room, there were two podiums. The one near the flags and in the back portion of the stage, would be used by anyone other than the President. The other podium, to be used only by the President himself, was placed toward the front of the stage and off to one side. When the ceremony began, Lieutenant General Rollins stood and walked up to the back podium, "Ladies and Gentlemen, the President of the United States accompanied by Major Owen Hunt, M.D., United States Army." The crowd stood as Hail to the Chief was played. The President paced himself so that Owen, using crutches, could keep up without rushing.
Owen wore his dress uniform and his curls were finally back. His hair, still within acceptable Army standards, now also met Amelia's and Olivia's standards. It peeked out from his formal dark cap that was adorned with a shining gold officer's eagle emblem, gold strap, and embroidered oak leaves. With his crisp white shirt, plain black tie, dark jacket, and blue slacks, Owen's presence was impressive. The gold stripe down the side of his slacks, the shining gold buttons on the jacket, and his perfectly polished black shoes completed the ensemble. Owen's ribbons, name badge, and other medals were perfectly placed according to code. Amelia had told him that morning that she'd never seen a more handsome man in uniform.
The President and Owen stood near the front center of the presentation area as Lt. Gen. Rollins continued, "Attention to orders, the United States of America. This is certify that the President of the United States of America has awarded the Purple Heart, one of the most recognized and respected medals granted in the U.S. Armed Forces, the oldest military award, first established by General George Washington in 1782, to Major Owen Hunt, M.D., United States Army for wounds received in action in Darfur, Sudan during an attack on the medical clinic where he and his team saved the lives of many. Please accept our thanks and eternal gratitude for your service and sacrifice."
The President stepped in front of Owen and pinned the medal onto Owen's uniform, then shook his hand and smiled reassuringly before stepping to the podium. Upon reaching the podium, the President invited the crowd to be seated. As protocol dictated, Owen remained standing where he'd received the medal.
In a commanding and solid voice, the President began, "The man standing here before you today should not be alive. He was shot three times at close range; one bullet barely missed the abdominal wall. I've been told that had the bullet entered a bit differently, Major Hunt would not be here with us now.
In the midst of a deadly attack on the medical clinic where he worked unending hours and managed a medical staff and facility, Major Hunt experienced devastating injuries. Two shots entered his right leg, shattering his patella and causing extensive injuries to his femur. He is working toward regaining his ability to walk and has already come a long way – from not being able to move at the time of the event to walking with me to this stage moments ago. His determination and bravery will inspire others for generations.
Normally at this point, I would provide a summary of the Major's service and a description of the actual events that led to us here today. Instead, we are honored to hear from the Major's son. His words summarize well the Major's service history and details of the attack. Finley come on up," the President invited with a welcoming and warm smile.
As they'd practiced, Finley stood between Owen and the President's podium as the President introduced him. "Recently, schools around the nation participated in a 500-word essay contest where the students wrote about their hero. The students could choose anyone as their hero, living or dead. Finley chose his father. He won his school's competition and went on to win the statewide award. He is the oldest of, well…4 and a half since the family is expecting a baby in July. He is a competent, assured, studious young man with a passion for soccer. His writing ability will astound you as you listen to his essay."
The President insisted that Finley speak from the Presidential podium. During the pinning of the medal, an aide had unobtrusively slipped a riser behind it so Finley could be clearly seen. Finley walked to the podium and thanked the President for the introduction, as had been rehearsed. With a clear and steady voice, Finley began reading. He had practiced so much that he nearly had the essay memorized, which allowed him to look up and make eye contact with his family and the crowd. As he concluded, rather than returning to his seat as had been practiced, Finley spontaneously headed over to Owen. The two-bear hugged and Owen whispered in Finley's ear that he loved him.
The President resumed with charm and a chuckle, "I'm not sure why I'm even trying to follow that. Finley, thank you. Thank you for your courage to read in front of all these people and to share some deep sentiments with us. I can guarantee that your parents are very proud to have you as a son."
Looking out to the crowd, the President continued, "Major Hunt, we recognize you today for your injuries in the field but also for another hard fight – the fight to recovery. This battle, fought one step at a time, has inspired many around you. We also celebrate the incredible dedication and talents of the medical practitioners who had a hand in your treatment and recovery. Some of them are here today and I'd like to ask them to stand." In addition to April, Callie, and Bill (his current Physical Therapist), Mary (the CNA from Djibouti who had recently concluded her tour) and some of his doctors from Germany were in attendance.
"Lastly," the President concluded, "I'd like to introduce the Major's family. Before he and I walked out here, the Major shared with me that he is deeply and eternally grateful for this incredible group of people and especially for his wife, Amelia," the President said. He continued, "Debra Hunt, the Major's mother, holding the current youngest of the family, Gwendolyn. Dr. Amelia Shepherd-Hunt, the Major's wife and a gifted and talented neurosurgeon in her own right. Ella is being held by Mom. Oliver, Bronwyn and, standing next to me, Finley. Shepherd-Hunt family deserve deep recognition for the sacrifices you have made so that the Major could serve. Being part of a military family is a sacrifice. Separation from loved ones and the burden of extra responsibilities make deployments especially challenging. Please accept my deep and abiding personal gratitude in addition to the gratitude of the American people." The crowd applauded energetically before Amelia et al sat back down.
"At this point, you have heard enough from me," the President grinned. "I would now like to introduce Major Owen Hunt, MD, a man you've come to know as a father, doctor, soldier and, yes, hero." Finley returned to his seat and immediately placed Anna on his lap to give Amelia a break. The crowd stood and applauded as Owen, using crutches, approached the podium.
Owen pursed his lips as he looked out at the applauding crowd. He lowered his chin and eyes more than once before leaning to the microphone and uttering, "Thank you. Please be seated." The applause ebbed and people began to sit down.
"As you've heard, I'm a trauma surgeon. My job seldom allows me time to outline a surgery or undergo deep analysis prior to operating. In preparing for today, I shrugged and thought to myself that I didn't need to write anything down. After all, acting in the moment and thinking on my feet – or even from the ground after being knocked down – is what I do. But now as I stand here, I'm wishing I'd jotted down something," Owen said with an endearing smile.
He continued, "I am deeply humbled and honored by all this attention and the volumes of kind words. I deeply appreciate that my teenaged son sees me as a hero, and I'm so proud of him today." Owen paused briefly to catch Finley's eye. "Finley, I hope that I'll still be your hero when we get home tonight and I remind you that you still have to do the dishes after dinner even though you met the President."
Then he added, "In all honesty, when I look in the mirror, I don't see a hero. I see a man who simply tries to do the best he can do, someone who strives to live with integrity and who tries to learn from his errors. I see someone with flaws who has made mistakes and who, occasionally, gets it right. To be considered a hero… that undeserved title puts a lump in my throat."
"Through my various tours, I have come to appreciate life and to embrace hope. I am far less likely to give up on a patient or on myself because I've seen far too many miracles in the field – cases where all hope seemed gone, yet the soldier pulled through. I cannot always control the outcome, but I can choose to remain engaged in saving a life as long as there is a shred of hope. The soldiers and the local residents that I have had the pleasure to help have been my teachers and my companions on the challenging journeys that war brings."
"A great deal of thought and conversation informed my decision about whether or not to serve on this last deployment. I absolutely did not want to leave my wife and children. I agonized over the separation from them. At the same time, I couldn't imagine staying home and turning down the invitation to serve. My wife, Amelia, has been steadfast and honest throughout the decision-making process, deployment, and unforeseen recovery experience," Owen looked directly at Mia and continued, "I really cannot thank you enough, Mia, for standing by me, putting up with me, and remaining beside me. I am continually blessed by your presence in my life."
"There is not enough time to thank everyone who had a hand in my experience. Thank you to my mother who refused to let me get away with skipping class or forgetting to finish homework when I was younger, my medical school teachers who shared their knowledge with me, my many colleagues over the years who have taught me what it looks like to be a doctor, all my patients who have entrusted me with their lives, my friends and family, my fellow soldiers, my doctors, nurses, PTs, OTs, and other medical personnel who encouraged me along the way, my incredible children who remind me what life is all about, and, again, my wife, Amelia. Thank you very much."
The crowd stood and applauded in response to Owen's speech. As rehearsed, the President approached Owen at the podium and shook his hand, then Owen saluted the Commander in Chief before moving over to stand by Amelia. Owen wrapped his arm around her waist, and they kissed briefly. She whispered to him, "You were fantastic."
The applause died down and Lt. Col. Rollins began the ceremony for Ria. "Attention to orders, the United States of America. This is certify that the President of the United States of America has awarded the Purple Heart, one of the most recognized and respected medals granted in the U.S. Armed Forces, the oldest military award, first established by General George Washington in 1782, to First Lieutenant Risa Strauss, United States Army posthumously for wounds received in action in Darfur, Sudan during an attack on the medical clinic where she, along with a medical team, saved the lives of many. Please accept our thanks and eternal gratitude for your service and sacrifice." Risa's parents declined the opportunity to speak but welcomed brief comments from the President. After the comments and as they were returning to their seats, they stopped to thank and hug Owen for trying to help her.
Next, the civilian award was presented to April. Lt. Col. Rollins, representing the Secretary of Defense, through whom the medal was granted, was set to pin the medal on April. However, as they rehearsed in the morning, someone came up with the idea of having Owen pin the medal and Lt. Col. Rollins to read the presentation words. Since there was not one set protocol, the group proceeded with the change.
Rollins announced, "Ladies and Gentlemen, Major Owen Hunt, M.D., United States Army and Dr. April Kepner, Civilian." Owen and April approached the stage and stood next to the President as Rollins continued, "Attention to orders, the United States of America. This is certifying that the Office of the Secretary of Defense has awarded the Medal of Valor to Dr. April Kepner. The Medal of Valor is presented to civilians who have displayed an act of heroism by voluntarily risking his or her own safety in the face of danger. Dr. Kepner shielded the body of her commanding officer, Major Owen Hunt, M.D., United States Army, during an attack on the medical clinic where she, along with a medical team, saved the lives of many. Dr. Kepner also provided the Major with immediate, life-saving medical intervention, refusing to leave his side until he was hospitalized and transferred to the care of other physicians. Please accept our thanks and eternal gratitude for your service and sacrifice."
Owen pinned the Medal on April's lapel as he winked and then whispered, "Hey, thanks for saving me, Kepner. You're one hell of a non-soldier soldier." Since the President was there, they gave him the job of handing the official certificate to April and shaking her hand. April, a farm girl from the Midwest, was overwhelmed by the recognition and amazed to share the spotlight with so many heroes.