Talent Performance & Relations

Brad Carpenter

Coast Guard | SK2/E5
Instructional Design Specialist | E-Learning & Professional Studies

Which medals or citations are you most honored to have received?

• Commandant's Letter of Commendation and Ribbon Bar
• Coast Guard Presidential Unit Citation

Both awarded for rescue and recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

What was most impactful to you about your military service?

My time in service provided structure and discipline I needed as a young adult. It cemented my desire to pursue a career of service as an educator. Additionally, I earned two degrees at zero cost to me.

How does your military experience assist you in your employment at UAB?

I believe I have a perfectionist mindset in many of my endeavors; the military certainly contributed to my sometimes obsessive attention to detail and determination in all things I pursue. These qualities are definitely accompanied by the sense of pride I take in my work, as well as the value I place in teamwork.

Jason Hammond

Air Force | Technical Sergeant
Administrative Associate | Molecular & Cellular Pathology

Which medals or citations are you most honored to have received?

• Air Medal with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters
• Air Force Commendation Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster
• Air Force Achievement Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters
• Combat Readiness Medal
• Afghanistan Campaign Medal with 1 Service Star
• Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
• Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
• Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Boarder and 3 Oak Leaf Clusters

What was most impactful to you about your military service?

I wanted to follow in my father's footsteps, and his father before him, to do my part to protect our great country and its freedoms. It was an honor to be apart an elite team made up of only 1% of Americans. Although I am now retired, I'd do it all over again.

How does your military experience assist you in your employment at UAB?

The skills I learned in the military are staples in how I live my home life and work life. Things like leadership, attention to detail, teamwork are just a few of those skills instilled in me through my military service that I use daily for my job.

Christian Foster

Army | Sergeant, Budget Analyst
Program Administrator II | Conflict Of Interest Review Board

Which medals or citations are you most honored to have received?

Of all the awards I have received I would say that my status as "Distinguish Honor Graduate," awarded by US Army Finance and Comptroller School, is the award I am most honored to have received. I received this status for ranking No. 1 in my class, not only academically but in leadership and character; equivalent to Summa Cum Laude. Other awards include but are not limited to:

• Army Commendation Medal Ribbon w/ Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
• Army Achievement Medal Ribbon w/ Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
• Army Good Conduct Medal Ribbon
• Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal Ribbon
• National Defense Service Medal Ribbon
• Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal Ribbon w/ Bronze Star Device
• Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal Ribbon w/ Bronze Star Device
• Global War on Terrorism Service Medal Ribbon
• Armed Forces Reserve Medal Ribbon w/ Bronze Hourglass Device; Bronze Numeral 2; Mobilization Device
• Army NCO Professional Development Ribbon
• Army Service Ribbon
• Army Overseas Service Ribbon w/ Bronze Numeral 2
• Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon

What was most impactful to you about your military service?

The opportunity to work with people from all over the world. I worked directly with the German, Italian, Albanian, Iraqi, and New Zealand Armies. I have been able to travel to so many countries and see places that I would not have been able to see otherwise. Being about to interact with people from different cultures enabled me to view life from a different perspective.

How does your military experience assist you in your employment at UAB?

While I do not work in Finance/Accounting here at UAB, I am able to use the skills you may not see on any veteran’s resume but will be there: Time Management — On time is late, early is on time; Teamwork — Don’t leave your buddy, we are better as a team; Humility — Success is measured by the mission, not one person; Determination — Failure isn’t an option, be prepared, get creative, and get it done; Discipline — It starts before the sun rises and doesn’t take a break.

Kimberly M. Robinson

Air Force | E-1
Clinical Research Analyst | Clinical Trials Office

Which medals or citations are you most honored to have received?

• Completion of Air Force Basic Training
• Completion of technical training for Biomedical Engineering Specialist
• Honorable Discharge to return home to care for my mother dying of breast cancer

What was most impactful to you about your military service?

I was able to learn, work and serve with people from various backgrounds. Despite our differences and experiences, we worked together in harmony for the common goal to serve and protect our country.

How does your military experience assist you in your employment at UAB?

Although my military experience was short, I learned valuable lessons that have established a solid work foundation of performing to the best of my abilities. Additionally, I strive for both personal and professional opportunities for growth. My military experience, my current service and education in healthcare aligns with the UAB core values. Always Care: Listen with empathy, be compassionate, and support those in need. Own It: Be accountable, take action, and make it happen. Work Together: Think win-win, build consensus, and play your role on the team. Do Right: Follow through, work with principles, and do no harm.

Rick Burney

Army | Colonel
Associate Professor | Ob/Gyn — Reproductive Endocrinology

Which medals or citations are you most honored to have received?

• Bronze Star

What was most impactful to you about your military service?

Providing medical and surgical care to our servicemembers and their families was an honor. When I think back upon providing forward surgical care to soldiers in deployed operational environments, I'm reminded of the incredible courage and unconditional dedication our men and women in uniform exhibit on a daily basis.

How does your military experience assist you in your employment at UAB?

The military taught me when a team is connected, inclusive and committed to organizational goals, great things happen. I am looking forward to contributing to the UAB team.

Hubert Philon, Jr.

Marines | Gunnery Sergeant E-7
Network Technician III | Telecommunications Services

Which medals or citations are you most honored to have received?

• Combat Action Ribbon
• National Defense Medal
• Navy Presidential Unit Citation
• Global War on Terrorism Service Medal

What was most impactful to you about your military service?

Being able to train hundreds of Marines to become proficient Intelligence Operators.

How does your military experience assist you in your employment at UAB?

It has fostered my attention to detail and being able to handle stressful situations.

Dr. Burt Nabors

Navy | Commander O5
Professor | Ob/Gyn — Gynecologic Oncology

What was most impactful to you about your military service?

A few things. One the Navy paid for medical school, so it is unlikely I would be here, at UAB involved in clinical and laboratory research without that financial burden removed. Second and more important, the men and women of the squadrons I was assigned to were examples of the best of our country.

How does your military experience assist you in your employment at UAB?

It laid a path for working together with different types of people for a common goal. Very similar to what we do at UAB.

Dr. Charles A. Leath, III

Air Force | Lt. Colonel
Professor | Ob/Gyn — Gynecologic Oncology

Which medals or citations are you most honored to have received?

• Meritorious Service Medal

What was most impactful to you about your military service?

As a physician on active duty, being able to provide cutting edge care including access to clinical trials for US military members their dependents and retirees was th most meaningful thing I was able to do.

How does your military experience assist you in your employment at UAB?

Hopefully helps me keep all things in perspective.

Joseph Mulready

Army | 1SG/Master Sergeant (E8)
Biomedical Equipment Tech I | Biomedical & Clinical Engineering

Which medals or citations are you most honored to have received?

• Bronze Star (Two Oak Leaf Clusters)

What was most impactful to you about your military service?

I had the opportunity to provide security in multiple foreign elections from the Balkans to Southwest Asia. I witnessed firsthand the gratitude and hopefulness of a people previously oppressed now having the ability to vote in a fair election for the first time.

How does your military experience assist you in your employment at UAB?

Diversity of professions in the workplace, multicultural work experience. Applied integrity and professionalism in all aspects of my duty scope and responsibilities to include off work representation of UAB.

Kelly Kilgore Betts

Navy | E-4
RN-Float-Tap | Resource Management Systems

Which medals or citations are you most honored to have received?

• Good Conduct Award
• Sharp Shooter
• Operation Allied Forces

What was most impactful to you about your military service?

Leaving home right after highschool being on my own learning how to survive and defend our country was an honor.

How does your military experience assist you in your employment at UAB?

My time in the service has given me the ability to incorporate myself with all aspects of life. Being honorable, steady and loving all at the same time.

Brent McClenny

Air Force | 0-6 (Colonel)
Adjunct Asst Professor | General Dentistry

Which medals or citations are you most honored to have received?

• Meritorious Service Medals
• National Defense Service Medal
• Dept of Defense Healthcare Innovation of the Year Award

What was most impactful to you about your military service?

The privilege of providing top level care for those who sacrifice so much in protecting our nation and freedoms.

How does your military experience assist you in your employment at UAB?

All the clinical/didactic training and experiences I received as 1) "an Air Force two-year AEGD Residency graduate" 2) "Directing 1 year Air-Force AEGD residency programs for 13 years with the help of board certified specialists" has enhanced my ability to pass on evidence-based clinical principles and techniques to the D1 and D2 students.

Thomas Elmes

Army | Captain
Manager-Patient Financial Svcs | Patient Financial Services

Which medals or citations are you most honored to have received?

• Combat Infantryman's Bade
• Bronze Star

What was most impactful to you about your military service?

It was an honor to serve with a diverse group of soldiers who were united with a common goal and a love for their country.

How does your military experience assist you in your employment at UAB?

My prior military experience has enhanced my appreciation for the benefits associated with my UAB employment and the healthcare that we provide to our community.

J. Crawford Downs

Navy | E-3, Airman
Professor | Ophthalmology

Which medals or citations are you most honored to have received?

• Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
• Personal Letter of Commendation for academic performance in Aviation Boatswain's Mate School
• Personal Letter of Commendation for bravery and performance during a shipboard fired

What was most impactful to you about your military service?

As an enlisted airmen on an aircraft carrier, I spent two years living on the ship with people of all backgrounds and situations. This profoundly altered my view of how one's background can influence their future opportunities and life path. I have a deep respect for those who volunteer to serve in the armed forces.

How does your military experience assist you in your employment at UAB?

In the military, I learned both tenacity and exactly how far I can push myself mentally and physically. This is invaluable when working toward research goals in the lab that can seem impossible to achieve, or require years of focused work.

Curtis Carver Jr.

Army | Colonel
UAB Chief Information Officer & VP of Information Technology

Which medals or citations are you most honored to have received?

What was most impactful to you about your military service?

My active military service of 27 years was the start of a lifetime of service to protect and improve our society.

How does your military experience assist you in your employment at UAB?

As a military leader, I was able to mentor and change the trajectory of numerous emerging leaders. This is very similar to my role at UAB where I lead a team intent on relentlessly improving and empowering our students, faculties, and researchers to change the world.

Emanuel Stephens

Coast Guard, Navy & Army | Staff Sargent E-6
Hyperbaric Safety Coordinator | Ambulatory Clinics

Which medals or citations are you most honored to have received?

• 1st Combat Action Ribbon
• Navy Battle 'E' Ribbon Meritorious Service Medal
• SWA Medals with USMC insignia
• GWOT Expeditionary Medal
• Navy Expeditionary Medal
• 1st AAM and 1st ARCOM

What was most impactful to you about your military service?

My ability as a medical enlisted person to help so many people around the world — never thought a simple kid from Brooklyn could help improve so many lives.

How does your military experience assist you in your employment at UAB?

Absolutely, the ability to be flexible and resilient along with being structure oriented. Many people don't realize the medical field is similar, especially a large organization such as UAB to the military.

Kasey Whilding

Marines | Sergeant (E-5), Machine Gun Section Leader
Compensation Analyst Sr | Human Resources

Which medals or citations are you most honored to have received?

I am most honored to have received an Iraq Campaign Medal w/one bronze Campaign star and two Navy Unit Commendations for our deployment to Haditha, Iraq in 2007-08.

What was most impactful to you about your military service?

The camaraderie and brotherhood has been most impactful. Being an infantry Marine made me a part of something special and unique, and has given me some of my closest, lifelong friends.

How does your military experience assist you in your employment at UAB?

My military experience has helped me deal with stress working in a fast-paced environment, to thrive in uncomfortable situations and to be a valuable member of a team. My experience also gave me the confidence to raise my hand, volunteer and be a leader.

Justin Reed

Marines | E-3/Lance Corporal
General Mechanic | Hospital Maintenance

What was most impactful to you about your military service?

The bond formed with the men and women I served with. I will always consider them family.

How does your military experience assist you in your employment at UAB?

That I learned to work with people from all walks of life.

Clisby S. Jones

Air Force | E4
Office Service Specialist III | Orthopaedic Surgery

What was most impactful to you about your military service?

Fresh out of high school, meeting new people, having new experiences, seeing new places and things.

How does your military experience assist you in your employment at UAB?

Dependable, respectful and working well with others, loyalty and trustworthy.

Nina Poythress

Army | Sergeant Major
Financial Officer II | Ob/Gyn Chair Office

Which medals or citations are you most honored to have received?

• The Legend of Merit
• Meritorious Service Medal (2 Oak Leaf Clusters)
• Army Commendation Medal
• Army Achievement Medal
• Army Good Conduct Medal
• Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal (5 Oak Leaf Clusters)
• National Defense Medal (with Bronze Star)
• Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
• Armed Forces Reserve Medal (with “M” Device, Gold Hourglass and Number 3)
• Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (with Number 3)
• Army Service Ribbon
• Army Staff Identification Badge.

What was most impactful to you about your military service?

The most impactful to me about my military service was my promotion to Sergeant Major and later becoming the Comptroller Division Sergeant Major for the Office of the Chief of Army Reserve, Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

How does your military experience assist you in your employment at UAB?

My military experience assist me in my employment at UAB to be excellent in all I do. I assume my daily task and apply the Army Values; loyalty, duty (fulfill your obligations) respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage building a strong work ethic and genuine character that exemplifies to my coworkers and supervisors.

Kristina Sinclair

Marines | Sergeant (E-5)
JHS Administrative Director II | Microbiology

Which medals or citations are you most honored to have received?

I received a meritorious service citation while stationed overseas and I'm reminded how important it is to recognize the people in our work and home lives who are making a difference. Recognizing others can be through a formal nomination or a simple act of notifying someone's supervisor of a job well done or writing a thank you note.

What was most impactful to you about your military service?

I spent a portion of my time overseas in Okinawa, Japan and that experience offered me a unique perspective while I was a young adult. Living away from the US allowed me to immerse myself in another culture and serving alongside men and women from all over the U.S. taught me about the power of a diverse team.

How does your military experience assist you in your employment at UAB?

I believe my time in the Marine Corps instilled in me the importance of serving, following and leading, and provided me with a passion for teamwork and teambuilding that I have spent nearly 25 years at UAB trying to improve and develop. And for the times that I've failed (and will fail again!), I lean heavily on the pure grit that was either honed or highlighted during my military training all of those years ago. I see that same grit in my UAB colleagues, especially during the past 20 months, and it's an honor to work with such dedicated people.

Michael Knox Jr.

Army | E-4 Specialist
General Mechanic | Hospital Maintenance

What was most impactful to you about your military service?

I’m grateful each day for the manner in which my experiences in the Army cultivated character, discipline, and application to everyday life. The best part was the people I got to share it with and serving a higher purpose.

How does your military experience assist you in your employment at UAB?

By the values that have been instilled in me — selfless service, honor, and integrity. I try to apply those core values everyday on my job, around the patients and staff.

Nathan Dowling

Air Force | SSgt/E-5
Teaching Asst | Epidemiology

Which medals or citations are you most honored to have received?

• Commendation Medal

What was most impactful to you about your military service?

The ability to serve others in the community and in my chain of command — providing outreach (food, clothes, clinical care) to disadvantaged children in Asia and educating the airmen below me to seek out life goals.

How does your military experience assist you in your employment at UAB?

It allowed me to take on a copious amount of responsibility as a full time student while working full time and moving across the globe.

Nathan Parsons

Navy | E-5
Peer Recovery Support Specialist | Psych-Substance Abuse

Which medals or citations are you most honored to have received?

• Armed Forces Expeditionary
• Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary
• Iraq Campaign Medal

What was most impactful to you about your military service?

Traveling around the world, experiencing different cultures, had an impact on my life. Also the camaraderie and bond you form with those you serve with, I'll always cherish.

How does your military experience assist you in your employment at UAB?

My military experience assists me everyday with my role here at UAB, Community Justice Programs. I am a Certified Recovery Support Specialist with Veterans Court. Being able to provide support and be of service to veterans in this capacity is so cool and when you get to see fellow veterans graduate the program, its really powerful to experience.

Randy Moore

Navy | Lieutenant Commander
Asst Prof Nursing (with Doctorate) | Nursing Academic Support

Which medals or citations are you most honored to have received?

• Navy Commendation Medal
• Navy Unit Citation Medal

What was most impactful to you about your military service?

Taking all the education and experience that I had learned and applying it to provide U.S. level care in a remote Combat Surgical Hospital in the deserts of Iraq during 2006 to help all of our warfighters.

How does your military experience assist you in your employment at UAB?

Helps make me more culturally aware, makes me thankful for all the technology we use to help patients, and helps me focus more on preventative services to help patients avoid crisis down the road.

Katherine Storms

Army | SSG
Athletic Trainer | Orthopaedic Surgery

Which medals or citations are you most honored to have received?

• NATO Medal for Service in OEF

What was most impactful to you about your military service?

What is taught me as a person.

How does your military experience assist you in your employment at UAB?

It helps me work in a team and also helps my commitment and loyalty to my work as I was taught in the military.

Richard Lloyd

Marines | E-5
Peer Recovery Support Specialist | Psych-Substance Abuse

Which medals or citations are you most honored to have received?

• Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal x2
• Combat Action Ribbon

What was most impactful to you about your military service?

Probably the self-discipline I learned and the importance of leadership and teamwork.

How does your military experience assist you in your employment at UAB?

My job is pretty self-directed, so the discipline I learned, the value of hard work, and the desire to do a job well every time probably help the most at UAB.

Rosylen Quinney

Army | E-4
Clinical Research Coordinator II | Ob/Gyn Maternal & Fetal Medicine

Which medals or citations are you most honored to have received?

• National Defense Service Medal
• Southwest Asia Service Medal with 3 Bronze Service Stars
• Army Service Ribbon
• Kuwait Liberation Medal
• Sharpshooter
• Badge with Riffle Bar
• Marksman Badge with Grenade Bar

What was most impactful to you about your military service?

How to be disciplined and be humble.

How does your military experience assist you in your employment at UAB?

It has taught me to pay attention to the smallest of details and execute my assignments.

Susan Hillhouse

Air Force | Lieutenant Colonel
Adjunct Instructor | Nursing Academic Support

Which medals or citations are you most honored to have received?

• Afghanistan Ribbon

What was most impactful to you about your military service?

Evacuating wounded as a flight nurse.

How does your military experience assist you in your employment at UAB?

Sharing experiences with my nursing students.

Connie Jackson-Gaiter

Army | Sergeant
Office Service Specialist III | School Of Nursing Dean's Office

Which medals or citations are you most honored to have received?

• Army Service Ribbon
• Good Conduct Medal
• Army Commendation Ribbon
• SWAS (Southwest Asia Sea) Medal
• Army Honorable Discharge Lapel Pin
• Red Devil Certificate (Ft. Polk, LA)

What was most impactful to you about your military service?

What impacted me the most about my time in service was seeing that no matter what some go through they strive and survive under the hardest of circumstances. That sand stays in everything and you can still be shaking it out of your clothing for years. That family is important especially when you are far away from home. That woman can endure the hardest of elements, complete 24-hour guard duty and still make 4:30 a.m. PT.

How does your military experience assist you in your employment at UAB?

My job at UAB is as Concierge (Office Service Specialist III) at the School Of Nursing. The SON core values are: Excellence, Caring, Innovation, Collaboration, Diversity, Integrity and Communication. The United States Army core values are: Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage. As both sets of core values align, I know that my military experience has prepared me to be readily able to succeed at whatever task I am called to perform and UAB can rest easy knowing that task will be done exceedingly well.

Terry Wood

Navy | E-5, Petty Officer
Engineering Manager | Campus Maintenance

Which medals or citations are you most honored to have received?

• National Defense

What was most impactful to you about your military service?

I enjoyed seeing the world. In several cases, we visited countries less fortunate than the United States, without freedoms. We actually visited Lenningrad, in the Soviet Union in 1975. This visit coincided with the fall of Saigon in the U.S., while the Soviets viewed it as the Liberation of Saigon. The value of freedom has has not been lost on those that served their country. Freedoms come not from the generosity of the state but from the hand of God, and the sacrifice of thousands of veterans that came before us.

How does your military experience assist you in your employment at UAB?

I would say it helped mature me, but I think age has also contributed to my growth in life. I see the same struggles that were issues around the globe in 1975, are at issue at UAB. The desire to support freedom while at the same time ensure a safe and peaceful lifestyle in your hometown. The words of JFK from my generation now carry more weight: "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country."

Patricia Ann Patrician

Army | Colonel
Professor of Nursing | Nursing Family, Community & Health Systems

Which medals or citations are you most honored to have received?

• Legion of Merit, 2008
• Anita Newcomb McGee (Army Nurse of the Year) Award, 2004

What was most impactful to you about your military service?

Caring for soldiers, retirees and their respective families who serve our great nation. Later, taking care of nursing personnel, ensuring they had the training needed for deployment.

How does your military experience assist you in your employment at UAB?

Military service taught me: mission first, selfless service, servant leadership. We are all here to serve others, not ourselves. Let us never forget that.

Mike Maner

Navy | Petty Officer First Class
Senior Learning & Development Specialist | Organizational Learning & Development

Which medals or citations are you most honored to have received?

• Navy Commendation Medal

What was most impactful to you about your military service?

I was able to travel the world and be exposed to other cultures and countries. It opened my eyes to a new way of looking at things and the experience changed everything for me.

How does your military experience assist you in your employment at UAB?

Learning to look at things from the perspective of others, working hard and meeting your goals, and taking pride in the work you do. All of those are values I learned to live by in my military career.

Andres Viles

Army | E5, Sargeant
Simulation Coordinator, Senior | Office of Interprofessional Simulation for Innovative Clinical Practice

Which medals or citations are you most honored to have received?

• Combat Infantryman Badge
• Air Assault Badge
• Jungle Warfare Expert Badge
• Multinational Force and Observers Medal
• Commanding Generals
• Leadership Award — Primary Leadership Development Course

What was most impactful to you about your military service?

We serve a purpose bigger than ourselves. I represent myself, my family, my branch of service, and country the moment I wake up. These were principles re-enforced throughout my 13 years of service.

How does your military experience assist you in your employment at UAB?

Highly effective team such as the military focus on teamwork and communication as essential elements to completing the mission. These are not considered "soft skills." I use that mindset to help members of the healthcare team develop and refine the skills to effectively coordinate and deliver the exceptional care our patient deserve.

Paul Walker

Air Force | Major
Associate Director, Information Security Operations | Enterprise Information Security

Which medals or citations are you most honored to have received?

• Defense Meritorious Service Medal
• Meritorious Service Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster
• Air Force Commendation Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters
• Army Commendation Medal
• Air Force Achievement Medal
• Joint Meritorious Unit Award
• Meritorious Unit Award
• AF Outstanding Unit Award with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters
• AF Organizational Excellence Award with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster
• Iraq Campaign Medal with 1 Service Star
• Global War on Terrorism Service Medal

What was most impactful to you about your military service?

What was most impactful to me about my military service was that it helped instill a sense of duty, loyalty, honor, and dedication that still exists today.

How does your military experience assist you in your employment at UAB?

The sense of duty, loyalty, honor, and dedication that the Air Force instilled in me, is very present and assists me in everything I do at UAB.

Jeffrey M. White

Army | Private First Class
Trauma Communicator | Trauma Communications

What was most impactful to you about your military service?

To be honest, the best part of my short military service was basic training and the preparation for life that I gained in that training.

How does your military experience assist you in your employment at UAB?

It gave my life structure and taught me respect and the sense of doing a job right with ownership.