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The Importance of Service

** This is the author’s opinion and does not represent the military or U.S. government. **

By Evan M. Jones, MD

Being a member of the Air Force has shaped my perspective as a hand surgeon by underscoring the importance of service. Each branch of the military has a common set of core values among which includes a version of “service before self.”  To me, this is achieved by placing a priority on the mission.  For the military hand surgeon, this is often done in the usual way we all, both civilian and military, care for our patients by restoring function and getting them back to doing their jobs.  From performing a distal biceps tendon repair on an F-22 pilot to a carpal tunnel release on a pararescueman, these equally allow me to play a small part in the sustainment of the world’s greatest Air Force.  Service may also include traveling to remote locations for extended periods of time without our families to work for those who protect our country’s freedoms overseas.  I consider these opportunities to serve as ways to contribute to our nation’s greater good and am privileged to care for the heroes who have sacrificed much more.

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