[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 8 (Thursday, February 3, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S336]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       REAR ADMIRAL JOAN M. ENGEL

 Mr. INOUYE. Mr. President, I would like to take a moment to 
honor Rear Admiral (Upper Half) Joan M. Engel as she retires after more 
than thirty years of active duty service in the United States Navy. 
Rear Admiral Engel culminates her distinguished career as the Assistant 
Chief for Operational Medicine and Fleet Support at the Bureau of 
Medicine and Surgery. As the first non-physician officer in medical 
department history appointed to this position, Rear Admiral Engel 
brought a fresh dedication to improving Navy Medicine's ability to 
deploy health care worldwide. She formally directed sweeping changes to 
the missions of her subordinate commands and instituted many 
progressive initiatives such as: a robust Force Health Protection 
program; Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Environment agent 
threat assessment and education programs; the creation of Forward 
Deployed Preventive Medicine Units; the establishment of the Navy 
Operational Medicine Institute, a new command focused on advanced 
operational aviation, undersea, and surface medicine training; and the 
complete restructuring of Navy Medical Research and Development 
laboratories and programs.
  Rear Admiral Engel was the first female, and first Nurse Corps 
officer, to be selected by a board to the rank of a two-star Admiral 
within the Navy Medical Department. She served as the Director of the 
Navy Nurse Corps and Assistant Chief for Education, Training, and 
Personnel at the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery. Through collaboration 
with other military nursing leaders, Rear Admiral Engel ensured that a 
Bachelor of Science degree became the minimum level of education for 
entry into practice for military nurses, and championed the 
establishment of a military nursing constituency within the American 
Nurses Association. Rear Admiral Engel was instrumental in advancing 
the extensive Tri-Service Nursing Research Program which focuses on 
research to develop best practices for nursing care. Attuned to issues 
related to women in the Navy, her participation in the landmark 1990 
Navy Women's Study Group was the catalyst for enhancing the delivery of 
culturally competent women's health care and increasing the number of 
operational assignments for Navy nurses. Her contributions are far-
reaching, and will positively impact military nursing and health care 
for years to come.
  Mr. President, more than fifty years ago, as I was recovering in a 
military hospital, I began a unique relationship with military nurses. 
Rear Admiral Engel embodies what I know military nurses to be--strong, 
dedicated professional leaders, stepping to the forefront to serve 
their country and committed to caring for our Sailors, Marines, Airmen, 
Soldiers and family members during peacetime and at war. Rear Admiral 
Engel's many meritorious awards and decorations demonstrate her 
contributions in a tangible way, but it is the legacy she leaves behind 
for the Navy Nurse Corps, the United States Navy and the Department of 
Defense for which we are most appreciative. It is with pride that I 
congratulate Rear Admiral Engel on her outstanding career of exemplary 
service.

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