[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 141 (Monday, September 8, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S8125]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO THE MALCOLM GROW MEDICAL CENTER

  Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the great 
services that the Malcolm Grow Medical Center has done for this 
country. Malcolm Grow celebrated its 50th anniversary on July 31, 2008, 
and in those 50 years, it has provided medical care for those serving 
in the U.S. Air Force as well as their families. They follow in the 
proud tradition of medicine which their namesake developed.
  MG Malcolm C. Grow was the first surgeon general of the U.S. Air 
Force, serving from July 1 to November 30, 1949. In 1943, General Grow 
received the Legion of Merit for developing body armor to protect 
combat crews. His research led the way in developing a light body armor 
and steel helmet that saved many lives and improved our fighters' 
morale.
  Today there are 372,200 eligible beneficiaries within 40 miles of the 
Malcolm Grow Medical Center. On a typical day, Malcolm Grow providers 
see 930 outpatients, 90 dental patients, 72 emergency room patients and 
has 5 inpatients. Staff complete seven surgical procedures and perform 
two deliveries. The Aeromedical Staging Flight takes care of 30 
patients transitioning through the National Capital Region and carries 
out 1,963 pharmacy procedures. In 2007, Malcolm Grown oversaw over 
10,400 patient and attendant movements alone.
  General Grow's innovative spirit has lived on at the Malcolm Grow 
Medical Center as it celebrates its 50th birthday. They are the East 
Coast hub for aeromedical evacuation and provide health care services 
to our Nation's top leaders. I am proud to honor the great contribution 
which this facility has made to our service members, our Armed Forces, 
and our Nation.

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