Dear MRC Leaders and Volunteers,

As Deputy Surgeon General for the past eight years, I have been in a great position to see the Medical Reserve Corps build itself from a good idea into a strong, viable, and important asset to your local communities, the Office of the Surgeon General, Department of Health and Human Services, and Nation as a whole. As you may have heard, VADM Richard Carmona completed his term as the 17th Surgeon General of the United States in July.

I am humbled and feel very privileged that Secretary Leavitt has asked me to be the Acting Surgeon General, while the President seeks a nominee to fill the position of 18th Surgeon General. With this new role for me comes the distinct honor of leading both the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, of which I am a career officer, as well as the MRC.

I will continue to promote the Priorities for Public Health that VADM Carmona advocated. I encourage each of you to also remain active in your efforts to increase disease prevention, eliminate health disparities, and strengthen public health preparedness. Through the work and service provided in towns, cities, and counties across the United States, MRC volunteers have made an immediate and lasting effect on the health and safety of their neighbors. With each American you help, you help the Nation.

I would like to assure each of you that you will find an unwavering level of support from the Office of the U.S. Surgeon General. You serve as wonderful examples of true American patriotism. I am proud to now serve as your Acting Surgeon General, as well as to consider you part of America’s team in the fight to better the health of our neighbors and protect the safety of our Nation.

Sincerely,

Kenneth P. Moritsugu, M.D., M.P.H.
RADM, USPHS
Acting U.S. Surgeon General