MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, NC -- Hospital Corpsman Second Class Glenn Hainey, a hospital corpsman with the 10th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, earned the prestigious Captain Joan Dooling Award for Information Professional Excellence.
The Dooling Award recognizes professional achievement and accomplishment for deserving Navy Medicine Enterprise Information Management/Information Technology community members. Hainey was presented the award at the 2024 Defense Health Information Technology Symposium in Dallas, Texas, on Aug. 20.
"I'm just working on computers all day, but eventually you realize this is just another way to help people," said Hainey of Elmhurst, Illinois, "I was an IT guy. That's all I was, and that was the joke, and it is the joke again, too, since I've gotten this award and people found out about it. Instead of people calling me HM2, it's IT2."
Hainey's role as a Corpsman may seem disconnected from the world of information technology, but his work showcases the evolving nature of military service occupations as technology expands. Hainey's accomplishments reflect the Navy's growing reliance on technology and its impact on every aspect of operations.
"The Captain Joan Dooling Award for Information Professional Excellence recognizes and encourages notable contributions in accomplishing Navy Medicine's mission through IT," said Master Chief Petty Officer April Merriman, the 2d Marine Division Command Master Chief. "HM2 Hainey received this award for his superb performance at his previous command, Navy Medicine Training Support Center, in San Antonio."
"HM2 has quickly established himself as a frontrunner amongst his peers and is highly respected across the Division. We are extremely proud to have his talents and expertise at the Follow Me Division.”
Hainey addressed multiple technical issues, ensuring essential operations ran smoothly. His work enabled his fellow service members to access the resources needed to treat patients.
"Somebody comes in, and they're like, 'This hurts, and I can't go to work because of it.' It's often the same as 'I can't get my email open to do my job right now,'" said Hainey.
Hainey discovered he could continue serving his fellow sailors and patients in a new capacity, bridging the gap between healthcare and technology.
"Initially, I was one of three enlisted people [in his section], and they'd always come to me for IT stuff," said Hainey. "At first, it was like I would go into an office, and I would have no clue what I was doing; I knew I had to get better at this.“
"I'm the one guy that they have. So, eventually, you learn from experience and learn a little bit on the side. By the time I was leaving, as they were checking on board, they would say, 'I know your name,' people recognize you and say, 'Oh, Hey, you're the IT guy.'-- It felt good."
Hainey's work is a little different now, working in the field with the Marines and fellow Corpsman supporting the 10th Marine Regiment at Camp Lejeune. The regiment provides fires in support of the 2d Marine Division using organic indirect fire assets and coordinates lethal and non-lethal fires from other II Marine Expeditionary Force fire support agencies to suppress, neutralize, or destroy the enemy.
"HM2 has hit the ground running since he joined us, teaching Combat Life Saver courses and mentoring and training the junior Corpsman on their clinical functions. He has been a valuable asset at the 10th Marine Regiment," said Hospital Corpsman Chief Josh Rabbit, the Navy Senior Enlisted Leader for the 10th Marine Regiment.
Hainey remains open to the possibilities that lie ahead with continuing his service in the Navy.
"Originally, I was planning on re-enlisting, trying to go for a little bit longer, but ultimately, whenever I get out, I plan on working in either healthcare or IT."
Hainey's journey demonstrates the unpredictable nature of military careers, and the diverse ways service members can contribute to their missions. Hainey's earning of the Captain Dooling Award indicates that excellence in the military comes from accomplishing the unexpected when the need arises, whether dressing a wound or helping someone send an email.
Story originally posted on DVIDS:
U.S. Navy Corpsman Receives Dooling Award