Jesse Kesler

The 396th Combat Support Hospital (CSH) is a U.S. Army Reserve medical unit with a distinguished history of providing vital medical support in both peacetime and combat operations. Originally constituted in 1942 as the 396th Station Hospital, the unit has been reorganized and redesignated several times throughout its service. The 396th CSH has deployed in support of major operations, including Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, delivering critical care and life-saving treatment to wounded soldiers and civilians. Today, the unit remains an essential component of Army medical readiness, prepared to deploy rapidly in response to global contingencies.

The 12B Combat Engineers trace their origins to the U.S. Army’s commitment to mobility and fortification on the battlefield, with the “12B” designation referencing the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) for Army Combat Engineers. Historically, these units have played pivotal roles in every major conflict since World War II, including clearing mines, constructing fortifications, building bridges, and demolishing obstacles to support infantry and armored units. Their expertise in both construction and demolition makes them indispensable during both offensive and defensive operations. Over the decades, 12B Combat Engineers have continually adapted to new technologies and tactics, ensuring their critical contributions to modern military missions worldwide.

Army Nurses Corps

U.S. Army

The Army Nurse Corps (ANC) was established as a permanent corps of the U.S. Army on February 2, 1901, in response to the need for organized nursing care during times of war and peace. Army nurses played a crucial role in every major conflict since their inception, including World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and more recent operations. Over the years, the ANC has evolved from a small group of women volunteers to a highly trained, diverse, and professional corps of both men and women. Their dedication and service have been vital to the care and recovery of wounded soldiers, earning them a respected place in military history.

Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC), located in Bethesda, Maryland, was established in 2011 through the merger of the Walter Reed Army Medical Center and the National Naval Medical Center. Its origins trace back to the founding of Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., in 1909, named after the famed Army physician Walter Reed. Over the decades, the center has served as the premier military medical facility in the United States, providing advanced care to service members, veterans, and their families, as well as presidents and other national leaders. Today, WRNMMC stands as a symbol of military medical excellence and a key component of the Defense Health Agency.