The Medical Support Systems Project Management Office at the U.S. Army Medical Materiel Development Activity was named a 2010 National Security & International Affairs Medal finalist for the Service to America Medals, sponsored by the Partnership for Public Service.

The Medical Support Systems team was nominated for the National Security & International Affairs Medal for developing a Casualty Evacuation kit also known as the CASEVAC kit that allows most combat vehicles, including Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles and helicopters, to rapidly convert into medical evacuation vehicles in under a minute.

"We had to reassess how to best keep our Soldiers safe, which is the number one priority," said Teri Glass, acting project manager for Medical Support Systems Project Management Office. "We needed to figure out how we could both provide them with immediate treatment at the point of injury, and also be able to get them back to the care they urgently needed, within the critical first hour."

The CASEVAC kit is small allowing for easy storage and retrieval. The kit includes a foldable litter equipped with a restraint and lift system and a rear-facing attendant seat for the medic.

In 2009, more than 400 CASEVAC kits were fielded in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Nominees from the Medical Support Systems team include Teri Glass, Jaime Lee, James Cromartie, Mark Brown, Murray Swanson, John Cesca, Julia Hanes, Sharon Morgan and Steve Reichard.

The Service to America Medals celebrated a reputation as one of the most prestigious awards dedicated to recognizing the devotion and significant contributions America?s public servants provide addressing the needs of the Nation. According to the Partnership for Public Service, the Service to America Medals is often referred to as the "Oscars" of government service.

The Medical Support Systems team will be acknowledged as a finalist May 5. Medal recipients will be announced at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., Sept. 15.