Medical NCO ‘exudes calm in midst of chaos’ Published Sept. 15, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Jessica McConnell Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- A master sergeant from the 5th Medical Support Squadron received the Lewis L. Seaman Enlisted Award for outstanding operational support here, Aug. 29. Master Sgt. Camille Stamatakos, 5th MDSS NCO in charge of Tricare operations and patient administration, said she was very honored, as well as humbled, to have received this award. "I think I received this award through knowing that nothing replaces good old-fashioned hard work, holding integrity as the number one work ethic, and always seeking out mentors throughout my career," said the master sergeant. Stamatakos said it is her responsibility to oversee the daily operations of the Tricare and patient administration flight. Having recently been stratified as the top one percent of 5th Bomb Wing Senior NCOs due to her 'career record of amazing performance', Stamatakos has been described as an exemplary leader with a commanding presence. Stamatakos supervises 17 active duty military, civilian and contract employees here. During her time as flight chief, she implemented referral policies and oversaw quality assurance reviews to ensure appropriate support to 12,500 patients. She also re-wrote the medical group patient administrative instructions to ensure the medical treatment facility was in line with Defense Department regulations. As the flight chief, Stamatakos takes her position very seriously, and said her favorite part of her job as flight chief was being able to be there for her Airmen, being in a position to foster mentorship and to motivate, share her past experiences and provide career guidance whenever she can. The sergeant also completed a Health Care Administration bachelor's degree with a 3.9 grade point average and has already completed 26 hours in a Master's Program in international health with a 3.7 GPA. Along with her drive toward self-improvement, Stamatakos is also greatly committed to supporting the local community both on and off-base. She was the base's Air Force Assistance Fund group project officer, at which she ensured 100 percent contact and directly aided to the base's $113,000 in donations. Additionally, Stamatakos spared no time arranging several community outreach activities to improve the quality of life for the local community. With all of these accomplishments under her belt, Stamatakos isn't shy about leading others to the same success. "Never underestimate your ability to make a difference in this world," she advised. "Find something you love doing in life and be the best you can at it. When you do right, you can never go wrong." Maj. Mary Stewart, 5th Medical Group administrator, said Stamatakos always exudes calm in the midst of chaos. "Her confidence and job knowledge help make any situation better," said Stewart. "I always know I can count on her to come through with the right solution. She is an excellent role model to her peers and is able to 'mentor up' as well to ensure the organization is consistently moving in the right direction." The AMSUS award acknowledges the abilities of many outstanding federal healthcare professionals each year through the awards program. Any senior NCO in a federal medical facility and any branch of the military is eligible for this award. It is given to a medical senior NCO who has made a significant impact in the areas of patient care, clinical support or healthcare management, to their service's medical mission. Stamatakos will receive her award during the Association's annual meeting at its annual dinner this November.