Senator Espero of Hawaii submitted the name of Dr. Connie Mariano for Surgeon General of U

Hawaii Senator Will Espero Submits Name of Rear Admiral (Ret). Eleanor 'Connie' Mariano for Surgeon General of the United States Former White House physician served three Presidents By Richard Rapoza, 5/7/2009 12:41:22 PM HONOLULU, HAWAII – Hawai‘i State Senator Will Espero (District 20 – ‘Ewa Beach, ‘Ewa by Gentry, Ocean Pointe, ‘Ewa Villages, West Loch, Honouliuli, Lower Waipahu) released the following statement today: “Responding to the appeal of many individuals that there is a need for a qualified Surgeon General in view of the on-going crisis resulting from the pandemic flu, I have decided to formally submit the name of Rear Admiral (Ret.) Eleanor 'Connie' Mariano for consideration to the position of the Surgeon General of the United States of America by President Barack Obama. “Dr. Connie Mariano, the longest serving White House physician in our nation’s history, is undoubtedly most qualified for the position of Surgeon General, as shown by her track record of stellar service to our nation. She was the first woman Director of the White House Medical Unit. Additionally, Dr. Mariano was the first Filipino-American to reach the rank of Rear Admiral in the United States Navy, after being nominated by President Bill Clinton. Her military awards include the Presidential Service Badge, three awards of the Navy Commendation Medal, the Navy Achievement Medal, three awards of the Joint Meritorious Unit Commendation and the Battle E Unit Commendation. "Her professionalism in handling the public and the media during the administrations of former presidents George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush while remaining focused on their medical care gives Dr. Eleanor 'Connie' Mariano a unique experience that certainly no other nominee possesses. Her experience in working with the presidential team of physicians while Director of the White House Medical Unit will be an asset to the administration of the newly nominated Secretary of Health and Human Services, Kathleen Sebelius. “Dr. Mariano developed a mass casualty-training program while serving as ship’s physician on the U.S.S. Prairie, which earned the title of ‘Benchmark Ship in Mass Casualty Control’ for two consecutive years during her tour. Her competent hands-on attendance to the medical needs of the military personnel while assigned at the ship validated her experience as primary care medical personnel. “Preparedness for crisis, focus on preventive care and health literacy while providing the best medical care are challenges met by Dr. Eleanor 'Connie' Mariano daily in her professional life.” Richard Rapoza is the Director of Communications for the Hawai‘i State Senate majority. Reach him at mailto:r.rapoza@capitol.hawaii.gov