MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- In February, the office of the Air Force Surgeon General released the Air Force Medical Service 2014 annual award winners, and one of MacDill's own was on the list: Capt. Rohin Kasudia, 6th Medical Group Satellite Pharmacy officer in charge.
Kasudia, a Chicago, Illinois native, was named the Biomedical Specialist company grade officer of the year.
"When I found out that I had won, I was definitely super excited and was humbled because I didn't actually think I would win at the Air Force level," said Kasudia.
The Biomedical Specialist award package included his time as the 6th MDG executive and at the Satellite Pharmacy.
During this time, Kasudia was the first responder in a major vehicle accident when he noticed an unconscious, trapped victim was having difficulty breathing. He held the victim's head in the correct position to keep the airway open until first responders arrived, then assisted with C-collar placement to stabilize the patient for transport. His actions ultimately saved the patient's life.
Additionally, he led the Department of Defense benchmark drug return program to become number one in the Air Mobility Command. He also revamped the civilian prescription process and saved the 6th MDG $2 million.
Kasudia credits his mentors, supervisors, and pharmacy teams for the opportunity to compete for these awards.
"I am grateful to the mentors and supervisors that I had because they afforded me the opportunities to grow and the support from my teams" expressed Kasudia.
Col. Kevin Franke, 6th MDG commander, wrote the award package for Kasudia.
"As a commander, it's great to see outstanding individuals recognized for their efforts," said Franke. "Specifically to see Capt. Kasudia excel in all the demands of his duties, extend himself in strategic planning for the Medical Group and take on additional leadership in his professional organization is truly awesome."