In recognition of their dedication to the health care of military veterans and the families of fallen heroes, leaders from Home Base, a Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Program, received two of the nation’s most prestigious honors. The Secretary of Defense Medal for Outstanding Public Service – the second-highest award presented by the Secretary of Defense – was presented to Tom Werner, Chairman of the Boston Red Sox and the Boston Red Sox Foundation. The Public Service Commendation Medal – the fourth-highest public service decoration in the U.S. Department of the Army – was awarded to Peter Slavin, MD, President, Massachusetts General Hospital, Ross Zafonte, DO, Chief of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Massachusetts General Hospital, and Michael Allard, Chief Operating Officer for Home Base. Each recipient received their award, presented by Army Chief of Staff General Jim McConville, during a ceremony on April 28^th at the Pentagon. During their visit, the Home Base Program leadership also met with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, General Mark Milley who was also a part of the award ceremony.

Pictured from L to R: Army Chief of Staff Gen. Jim McConville, Patrick Smith, Brigadier General (ret.) Jack Hammond, Dr. Ross Zafonte, Michael Allard, Jennifer Ashton, Tom Werner, Lt. General R. Scott Dingle, Surgeon General of the Army and Staff Sgt. Carlton Duncan.

“As a leader serving at the helm of a National Center of Excellence dedicated to healing the invisible wounds for veterans of all eras, service members, military families and families of the fallen, I can think of no greater honor than to see Tom Werner, Dr. Slavin, Dr. Zafonte, and Michael Allard recognized for their tireless efforts to make a difference in the lives of those who have served,” said Brigadier General (ret.) Jack Hammond, Executive Director, Home Base.

“As Chief of Home Base’s Traumatic Brain Injury program, I have been humbled to work with an incredibly dedicated and talented team to provide critical care for some of our nation’s most injured warriors and develop cutting edge new programs and innovative treatments,” said Zafonte.

Pictured from L to R: Michael Allard, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General Mark Milley, Tom Werner, Jennifer Ashton, Patrick Smith, Patrick Smith, Brigadier General (ret.) Jack Hammond.

 

“For nearly a dozen years, Home Base has more than quadrupled in size and scope. Today, our doors are open to veterans and service members of all eras, from all over the nation or wherever they live in the world,” said Allard. “Thanks to the dedication of our staff and the unwavering support of our partners, donors, and volunteers, Home Base has healed thousands of veterans, service members, and their families since 2009. I am honored to accept this award on behalf of the entire Home Base team.”