Caucus History
1961 The PA concept is born. Dr. Charles Hudson publishes an article “Expansion of Medical Professional Services with Nonprofessional Personnel” in the June 10, 1961, issue of the Journal of The American Medical Association. He states that “experience with corpsmen in the Army and Navy has shown that laymen with relatively little training can be very efficient assistants.”
1965 The first PA educational program begins at Duke University with four ex-Navy corpsmen, Don Guffey, Vie Germino, Dick Scheele and Ken Ferrell. This program Included 140 hours of nursing Instruction, 60 hours of anatomy and physiology, 60 hours of pharmacology, 100 hours of animal surgery, and 90 hours of electronics theory. Similar programs began during the next eight years at many medical institutions and universities.
1969 The first MEDEX program is started by Dr. Richard Smith, at the University of Washington in Seattle. Fifteen former Army and Navy corpsmen are selected on the basis of past medical performance to undergo three months of intensive training at the University of Washington School of Medicine, following this training these MEDEX will spend 12 months on the job with family practice physicians.
1979 The first official group discussion among military veteran’s about their experiences as medics and corpsmen occurs at the Annual PA conference in Hollywood, Florida. Small groups of active duty and veteran PAs discuss veterans needs. Veteran PAs begin to form mutual groups of support and informal networks develop.
1979-1981 Physician Assistants play an active role in counseling other veterans within the Veterans Administrations Vet Center’s projects on the east and west coast. One of these programs entitled in the “Back in the World” therapy group, sponsored by the Vietnam Veterans of America, Is developed and co-directed by a Physician Assistant. PA's participate in the first Vietnam Veteran study entitled “The Forgotten Warrior Study” funded by the Disabled American Veterans, the project director Is Dr. John Wilson at Cleveland State University. Informal meeting of Vietnam Veterans is held at the Hollywood, Florida American Academy of Physician Assistants national conference.
1980 Physician Assistant Vietnam Veterans informally meet again at the annual AAPA conference in New Orleans. Discussion centers on the Vietnam Veteran Memorial being planned for Washington, D.C. and the DAV memorial in New Mexico.
1981 The founder of the American Academy of Physician Assistant’s Veterans Caucus breaks ground along with 200 other Vietnam veterans for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. Informal meeting of Vietnam veterans held at the annual conference in San Diego.
1982 First official reception held at the annual AAPA conference at the Washington Hilton on Memorial Day. A highlight of this first meeting was the signing of the original “God Loves the Grunt” canvas by George Skypeck, Jr. The Veterans Caucus presents awards honoring Army Warrant Officer Phil Clarkson, President of the Society of Army Physician Assistants, and Jerry Wise, former Navy corpsmen. Ken Harbert, Alan Sams, and others attend official dedication of Vietnam Veterans Memorial and march in the first of many “Welcome Home - Vietnam Veterans Parades” in Washington, D.C. After a strong show of support in the AAPA’s House of Delegates, the American Academy of Physician Assistants support the Vietnam Veteran Memorial with a donation honoring all the PAs that served in the Vietnam War as medics and corpsmen.
1983 A Memorial Day reception and slide show is provided for Vietnam Veterans Physician Assistants. Physician Assistant requests that this reception continue on an annual basis. The Veterans Caucus of the American Academy of Physician Assistants is officially given birth. An art show of George Skypeck’s combat art is displayed. In July of 1982, Mr. Steve Tiger is presented with a special framed print of “Soldiers” by George Skypeck. As outgoing editor of the Physician Assistant magazine, Mr. Tiger was responsible for honoring veteran PAs by featuring “God Loves the Grunt” on the cover of Physician Assistant magazine. At this same conference in St. Louis, Missouri, the American Academy of Physician Assistants, Educational Research Foundation (ERF) commissions renown artist captain George Skypeck, USA, (ret) to produce 1325 limited edition, numbered prints, entitled “God Loves the Grunt.” It shows up at the White House, the Senate, the Halls of Congress, and the walls of the Pentagon, VAMC lobbies, and even over the administrator’s desk in the VAMC central office. Harry Walters, Representative John Murtha, Bob Hope, and Tom Selleck, are presented with prints that later show up on TV shows, including “Simon & Simon,” and “NYPD.” Vet Centers across the country use the print to capture the hearts and minds of their clients. Military units display them in their planning and staging centers. Ten years later the stars of “China Beach” hold an auction with these prints to support the Vietnam Women’s Memorial Project.
1984 The front page of the Rocky Mountain News highlights the Caucus Memorial Service. Vietnam veteran John Coit states “once they were medics and corpsmen and once upon that time they were life itself.” The meeting held at the Brown Palace in Denver, Colorado opened up with ex-Navy corpsman Richard Currey PA-C reading a poem from his Pulitzer winning poetry book “Crossing Over,” a collection of poems from his days as a Navy corpsmen with the Marines in Vietnam. Capt. George Skypeck USA (Ret), spoke about the living canvas “God Loves the Grunt,” and the 5,000 Vietnam veterans that have signed this print that stands the test of time focusing on the bonds of friendships made for life. Ex-army medic, Richard Rocco PA-C, Medal of Honor recipient, was honored for his work with veterans. Dr. Tom Williams, author and two tour Marine Vietnam veteran was honored for his work regarding the counseling and readjustment support given to Vietnam veterans. Bruce Nitsche, service officer, Disabled American Veterans was also honored and presented with a “God Loves the Grunt.”
1985 The first newsletter of the Veterans Caucus is published on Veteran’s Day, and sent out to over three hundred PA members across the nation. The annual PA conference is held In San Antonio, Texas where a Veterans reception is held on Memorial Day. PENNWALT corporations vice president Howard Campbell ( a former Navy corpsmen) presents the PENNWALT special awards to the following honored guests: Harry Walters, administrator for the Veterans Administration, Gerald McRaney actor and star of “Simon and Simon,” Fred Downs, Jr. actor, writer, and director of prosthetic aids for the Veterans Administration and Diane Carlson Evans who discussed her proposal for a statue of a nurse to be placed near the Vietnam Memorial In Washington, D.C. honoring the women who served and cared for the wounded in Vietnam. She got a special surprise when an army medic she served with in the 36th Evacuation Hospital turned out to be a PA in our audience. Gerald McRaney was assisted by the Veteran Caucus in developing an episode for “Simon & Simon” entitled “I Thought the War Was Over.” Veteran PAs who made significant contributions to their communities, country, and profession were honored including: Ron Butlin, Bruce Fichandler, Mike Erkel, James Hili, Greg Melling, W. E. Schofled, Tim Donnelly and Frank Hollister. A plaque was presented to the national office of the AAPA in honor of their accomplishments.
1986 On Memorial Day the Veterans Caucus hosts a unique program to honor “Lifesavers Then, Caregivers Now.” This theme becomes the motto for the Veterans Caucus. Our history and our future relates back to our heritage as medics and corpsmen. The PENNWALT Corporation establishes the Military and Civilian PA of the year awards, for the Veterans Caucus. These awards honor a civilian and military PA that represents the highest standard of commitment to their profession, their patients, and their country. We honor special guests at a service in the Grand Ballroom of the Sheraton Boston Hotel including, Kirk Bauer, Executive Director of the National Handicapped Sports and Recreation Association, Maurice Gordon, Commandant of the Massachusetts Soldier Home in Chelsea, Rep. Thomas Vallely, Ret. Marine Josh Cruz ,star of the Broadway play “Tracers”, Col. Robert Rheault, USA (Ret) director of the Outward Bound program in Maine and former commanding officer of the Special Forces in Vietnam, and Capt. George L. Skypeck, USA (Ret).
1987 Iranian hostage CWO Donald Hoffman begins his career as a PA in the Army working in Orthopedics. The AAPA conference was in Cincinnati, Ohio and the Veterans Caucus sponsored an unveiling and dedication of George Skypeck’s artistic tribute to medics and corpsmen. The AAPA endorses and approves a $500 contribution to the Vietnam Women’s Memorial Project.
1988 The AAPA meets in Los Angeles, Ca. The Caucus sponsors the “Goodnight Vietnam” dance with special guest Chris Noel, whom Vietnam veterans will remember from the Armed Forces Radio and Television Service.
1989 The AAPA holds its annual conference in Washington D.C. The Caucus holds a special Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
1990 Reception held In New Orleans honoring outstanding PAs. Coors hosts hospitality suite. Memorial Service is held by Caucus honoring Veterans.
1991 The Veterans Caucus initiates a huge banner with special ribbons that covers the AAPA National Office to honor the PAs serving in the Persian Gulf. The annual reception in San Francisco, California honors all Veterans. A unique welcome home for Desert Storm veterans was held. Caucus provides Honor Guard for AAPA Conference General Session.
1992 The Memorial Service in Nashville, TN awards are sponsored by Smith, Kline Beecham. Reception opened by Adm. Kenneth Moritsugu, MD. Veteran Caucus members sing “God Bless the USA,” with Lee Greenwood at his AAPA concert. Veterans Caucus hosts first international CME conference in St. Thomas, U. S. Virgin Islands attracting over 200 PAs and other health care providers. We bid farewell and best wishes to many of our members who are called to serve in Somalia. Veterans Caucus hosts third annual Topics in the Tropics CME in St. Thomas, V.I.; this event was again well attended with excellent speakers.
1995 Veterans Caucus hosts fourth annual Topics in the Tropics CME. Thanks to Hurricane Marilyn and the destruction in St. Thomas, this event was held in Jamaica and once again well attended.
1996 The AAPA Annual Conference is held in New York City. The Memorial Day service honored those family members of Caucus members who had served in the United States Armed Forces. The Uniformed PA of the Year was Maj. Shep Stone, and the Civilian PAs of the Year were Jean Thompson and Jeff Heinreich.
1997 Civilian PA of the year was Doug Condit and Uniformed PA of the Year was Cpt. Greg Reisz.
1998 The annual Memorial Day theme was to honor the MEDEX PAs that contributed so much to the profession. The featured speaker was Dr. Richard Smith and the founder of the Medex program. The scholarship program continues to grow with over $22,000 in scholarship funds being to give in to needy PA students to date. The Uniformed PA of the Year Award was presented to Cpt. Alspach. The Civilian PA of the Year Award winner was Murl Dotson.
1999 This year’s Topics in the Tropics was held in St. Thomas, the garden paradise of the United States. Caucus members became aware of the need for assistance at the local Veterans Affair’s Office and were quick to donate enough funds for equipment to process veteran’s paperwork to leave this timely manner. The Memorial Day Service, held in Atlanta, honored the Navy corpsmen from which our profession began. The keynote speaker was U.S. Surgeon General, David Satcher. Honored guests included: Vic Germieno and Vice Admiral Richard Nelson. Antônio López received the Military PA of the Year Award and Jim Long, the Civilian PA of the Year award.
2000 The Veterans Caucus celebrated its 20th Anniversary and a Commemorative Journal was published. Highlights of this year included a Caucus donation of $2000 to The Vietnam Women’s Memorial, the publication of a 20th Anniversary Journal. Topics in the Tropics continued to be one of the yearly highlights with Puerto Vallarta being the location for this year’s conference. The founder of a Caucus, Ken Harbert, Executive Director of the group, resigned after 20 years. The annual Memorial Day service theme was 20 Years of Caring and Remembering. Chicago was the location and the featured speakers included: Terry Anderson, a former Middle East hostage, and Col. Donald Ballard, a Congressional a Medal of Honor winner for his service as a Navy Corpsman in Vietnam. Michael Doyle received the Uniformed Services PA the Year Award, while Tom Lemley received the Civilian PA of the Year Award.
2001 The Memorial Day service was held in Anaheim, California, and highlighted Special Operations forces. Featured speakers were: Medal of Honor recipient Col. Roger Donaldson, and Rep. Dana Rohrabacher of California. Kathleen Adamson received the Uniformed Services of the Year Award and Kathy Fenell received the Civilian PA of the Year Award. Refugee Relief International received $1000 from the Veterans Caucus for its work. Funds were also raised during the Topics in the Tropics CME conference, to assist the local orphanage in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
2002 The annual Memorial Day service was held in Boston, Massachusetts. The theme was America at War: The time for Remembrance and Renewal. Adm. Kenneth Moritsugu was the keynote speaker. The Caucus was honored with the AAPA public education Paragon Award. This award is given to constituent organizations that have substantially increased awareness of the PA profession. The Caucus donated $1000 to the New England Shelter for Homeless Veterans located in Boston. Mary Ann Ramos received the Uniformed Services of the Year Award and Gordon Huie received the Civilian PA year Award. Caucus members stood as Honor Guards, November 11th, at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial during the reading of the names in Washington, DC. During the Topics in the Tropics in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, $1100 was raised for the local orphanage.
2003 The 12th Annual Topics in the Tropics was held in Montego Bay, Jamaica. This annual conference continues to be a major contributor to our highly successful scholarship program. Our Memorial Day Service was held in New Orleans and the featured speakers included: Air Force Master Sgt. Calvin Markham, a decorated veteran of the war in Afghanistan who plans on becoming a Physician Assistant, and Peace Fox, a cofounder of the Homeless Veterans Shelter in Boston, Massachusetts. William Tozier received the Uniformed Services PA the Year Award and Randy Danielson, the Civilian PA of the Year Award.
2004 Cancun was the site for the 13th annual Topics in Tropics. The Memorial Day service was held in Las Vegas, Nevada with featured speaker Maj. John Padgett, who praised the men and women currently serving in Iraq, saying that they are tough, courageous, brave, and compassionate and that they won’t back down. The Uniformed Services of the Year Awards went to Maj. John Padgett and Capt. Robert Heath, both military physician assistants serving in Iraq. The scholarships that were awarded came to a total of $22,500.
2005 The Caucus celebrated its 25th Anniversary. From the beginning, the Veterans Caucus has grown and developed into one of the most dynamic organizations within the American Academy of Physician Assistants. The Memorial Day Service held in Orlando, honored Capt. Donald Grimes, United States Army. He was the first Physician Assistant to be killed in line of duty and was honored with a scholarship donated in his name. His father attended the moving Memorial Day Service. The Uniformed Services Physician Assistant of the Year was Maj. John Nelson, United States Army and the Civilian PA of the Year Award was given to Thomas Zampieri. Dr. Eugene Stead, the creator of the physician assistant profession passed away and the Caucus honored him with a $1000 donation to the Stead Fund for Innovation. The Topics in the Tropics conference was held in the Dominican Republic and, as always, the Caucus raised funds for a local charity.