TCRHCC’s Physical Therapist Honored with a highly visible United States Air Force award and commendation medal for meritorious service performed in 2010
Tuba City Regional Health Care Corporation’s Dr. Heleno D. Souza, Physical Therapist, also a member of the 440th Airlift Wing, Pope Air Force Base, North Carolina, was awarded the U.S. Air Force Commendation Medal for his service as a Unit Senior Physical Therapist.
The Air Force Commendation Medal is an award given to any member of the Air Force while serving, and is distinguished for their meritorious achievement and service, said Dr. Souza.
Besides his extensive civilian training, Dr. Souza or “Leno” as he is known in Tuba City, holds important military medical certifications such as; CBRNE-Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and high-yield Explosive as part of medical preparedness for Home Land Security and Bioterrorism.
He is also certified on EMEDS-Expeditionary Medical Support System. EMEDS provides emergency-medical support to troops during war-time operations, medical relief for natural or man-made disaster, and mass casualty -stricken areas. The system is designed to prepare military health care professionals in the field to be ready under any environment situation.
“I use techniques learned during these trainings everyday when I am treating patients at TCRHCC,” said Dr. Souza. “ I hope it never happens, but if a disaster strikes Tuba, I will be prepared to assist our local authorities on the relief of our community.
From 2006 to 2010, after completion of the EMEDS training, Dr. Souza took on the distinguish role in establishing wound care programs at the United States Army Hospital in Fort Benning, Georgia and at the Brazilian Navy Hospital in Salvador.
Major Souza’s (USAFR) expertise and knowledge in the medical field significantly strengthened Military International Operation and advanced allied Medical Skills with a presentation to the International Military Medical conference in Brazil.
“Being a Citizen Airmen and working with highly qualified USPHS and civilian professionals at TCRHCC, gives me an enormous amount of knowledge and confidence,” said Dr. Souza. “I learned life and people skills, discipline, leadership, management, problem solving abilities, interaction with co-workers, supervisors, respect and appreciation for cultural diversity which we have in abundance at TCRHCC.”
He was also recognized for his multi-cultural and multi-lingual excellence. In 2009, Leno was selected by the United States State Department as Assistant Operations Officer for the United States Embassy in Brasilia, Brazil.
Dr. Souza improved self inspection process for 33 clinic departments in the 440th Medical Squadron. These improvements benefited over One Thousand members of the 440th Air Wing USAFR. While serving as a Troop Commander for the Medical Mission in Scottsdale, Arizona, he managed, coordinated, and provided leadership to the 16 members (nurses, physicians and technicians) who deployed on the Medical Annual Tour.
From 2005 until his relocation to Tuba City, Leno served as Liaison to the South Carolina Wing Civil Air Patrol-United States Air Force Reserve Program, leading and mentoring more than 200 members.
He has just been recognized by the Native Americans, publically, at the Arizona State Newspaper “AZDAILYSUN” for the outstanding service provided while serving as in-patient Physical Therapist at Tuba City Regional Health Care Corporation.
The results of Dr. Souza’s significant efforts, dedication and singularly distinctive accomplishments while serving his country and the Native Americans Nation reflect great credit upon himself, Tuba City Regional Health Care Corporation and the United States of America.
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