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Coining Pope's Finest: Staff Sgt. Michelle Wilkes

  • Published
  • 43rd Medical Support Squadron
POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  Col. James Johnson, 43rd Airlift Wing Commander, presented his Commander's Coin to Staff Sgt. Michelle Wilkes, 43rd Medical Support Squadron, for her exceptional performance beyond the call of duty.

Sergeant Wilkes' job performance as the the noncommissioned officer in charge of outpatient records for the 43rd MDSS can be highlighted in several instances.

She implemented a Department of Defense directive changing the medical records disposition process for active-duty members who are separating or retiring. Sergeant Wilkes integrated the new process into daily operations while continuing to maintain a 95 percent timeliness and accuracy rate.

Sergeant Wilkes devised a 48-hour weekend schedule to move more than 11,000 medical records, remove desks and install new furniture as part of a renovation project. The project was completed with zero disruption to patient care.

She organized the inventory of more than 3,500 medical records belonging to active-duty members, resulting in a 99 percent accountability rating. The inventory was completed two months ahead of schedule. The Clinic was the first in Air Mobility Command to complete the project.

Sergeant Wilkes revamped check-in procedures by blending the workload of three squadrons. The process immediately impacted the overall customer satisfaction rate, vaulting it to 96 percent for overall patient satisfaction the clinic now ranks first in AMC. She stepped up as the Alternate Patient Administration Team Chief during Operation Unified Response. Sergeant Wilkes initiated a team recall, during which she pulled and screened more than 120 medical records.

Off duty, Sergeant Wilkes attends Bal Perazim Interdenominational Church. She is also a member of the 43rd Medical Group Key Spouses and is a supporter of the Fayetteville Guard Indoor National Football Team.