MILLINGTON, Tenn. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Ben Ryan Sauce, a native of Springfield, Missouri, received a Flag Letter of Commendation (FLOC) for recent achievements serving with Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Unit (NMRTU) Bahrain.
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| Petty Officer 2nd Class Ben Ryan Sauce, middle, receives a Flag Letter of Commendation for his exemplary performance of duties while serving at Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Unit (NMRTU) Bahrain. |
Sauce received a FLOC for exemplary performance of duty as a dental technician and Dental Readiness Fleet Liaison for NMRTU Bahrain.
“It has been an immense honor working with Petty Officer 2nd Class Sauce," said Lt. Cmdr. Tali Hadar, department head of Branch Dental Clinic in NMRTU Bahrain. "He is a pillar of support in our clinic, and we would not have been as successful as we are without him as work center supervisor. He is incredibly motivated and a quick learner. I am excited for his future and am confident he will attain his goal of becoming an NC officer in the U.S. Navy."
Sauce graduated high school in 2004 from the Philippines and joined the Navy four and a half years ago. Additionally, Sauce obtained a bachelor's degree and master's degree while in the Philippines.
"I enlisted in the United States Navy to fulfill my aspiration of becoming a U.S. Navy nurse," Sauce said. "Before joining the Navy, I was a registered nurse in the Medical-Surgical Cardiac Telemetry Unit at CoxHealth South Medical Center in Springfield, Missouri. My experience also includes six years as a Clinical Instructor/Lecturer in the Midwifery Program in the Philippines and working as an Emergency Room and Obstetrics nurse.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Springfield.
"The invaluable lessons I learned from my hometown, which have persisted throughout my time in the Navy, are the significance of resilience, respect and embracing diversity," Sauce said. "Furthermore, I have developed the habit of giving my utmost effort in every commitment or undertaking. These virtues have proven instrumental in overcoming challenges and achieving my goals, ultimately contributing to my success in the Navy."
Today, Sauce serves as a hospital corpsman responsible for assisting healthcare professionals in providing medical care to Navy personnel and their families. Sauce is also a certified Nurse-Midwife and an Emergency Medical Technician and holds registered nursing licenses in both Illinois and Missouri.
"One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is the leadership position," Sauce said. "My supervisors offer me highly supportive guidance and delegate tasks that are both specific and well-defined. They express their appreciation for my efforts, and my department head is particularly grateful. The providers are also incredibly respectful and generous in sharing their knowledge and experience. My current colleagues are incredibly supportive and flexible, especially when it comes to enhancing our dental readiness within our command."
Sauce is also part of the Public Affairs team in Bahrain.
“I'm passionate about capturing moments through the lens of my camera," Sauce said. "I immerse myself in photography and video editing, crafting engaging presentations and eye-catching posters. My enthusiasm for community service shines through my work with the Fil-Am Association in the Kingdom of Bahrain, where I proudly serve as a public affairs officer. In this role, I spearhead our public affairs announcements, focusing on charitable fundraising and gift-giving events that make a difference. Currently, I am on an exciting journey toward my master's degree in nursing management and leadership, working diligently to complete 30 units. I thrive on the intersection of creativity and service, and I’m always eager to share my experiences and insights."
NMRTU Bahrain provides medical surveillance and occupation-based physical and certification examinations for civilian government employees and active duty personnel. They perform evaluations of occupational injuries and illnesses and return-to-work assessments for civilian government employees attached to Naval Support Activity Bahrain.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Sauce has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
"My proudest accomplishment is being an honor graduate and top 10% graduate from Hospital Corpsman 'A' School and an honor graduate from Hospital Corpsman 'C' School," Sauce said. "Additionally, I was awarded two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals and one Flag Letter of Commendation award. In just three years and six months, I was promoted to Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class. I have successfully served in the Navy for four years and six months and counting."
Sauce can take pride in serving America through military service.
"Serving in the Navy is a profound honor and privilege, particularly as a member of the prestigious United States Navy, which plays a crucial role in maintaining global peace and security," Sauce added. "My relatives in the Philippines, especially my parents, are immensely proud of my commitment to this service. It has afforded me countless opportunities, including the chance to travel the world and attain financial stability, all while contributing to the vital mission of protecting our nation and its allies."