BANGOR, Maine - A small group of Maine Army National Guard members and guests gathered at the Regional Training Institute Dec. 8 to witness Lt. Col. Joel Dunn become the first Maine National Guard member inducted into the Order of Military Medical Merit.

The order is a private organization founded by the U.S. Army Health Services Command commanding general in 1982 to recognize excellence and promote fellowship and esprit de corps among Army Medical Department personnel. Nominees must have a minimum of 15 years of service in the medical field.

Col. George Horsley, state surgeon general, Massachusetts Army National Guard, and a member of the order, bestowed the honor upon Dunn.

“He’s one of my mentors. I’m proud as a fellow physician’s assistant, fellow state surgeon general and New Englander to come up here and — not only to be the one to nominate him — but give him the official order as well.” Horsley said.

Dunn’s 33 years in the military includes 21 years with the Army Medical Department.

Dunn has consistently improved the organization and operations of the Maine Army National Guard’s Medical Readiness Unit. He implemented processes that improved medical readiness rates and the capability of the MRU to react efficiently to support training and operations in Maine. Dunn also advocated and influenced the transformation of the MRU. His recruitment, retention and mentorship of highly qualified medical professionals into the organization established a medical team poised to provide a medically ready force to the MEARNG.

“It feels good to be recognized.” Dunn said, “When I was looking at the requirements, I thought the contributions to the medical field I and the unit was making were comparable to what the order looks for.”

Horsley said it’s difficult for a member of the National Guard to be inducted because the requirements are typically met while serving in an active-duty capacity.

“When it comes to New England, Dunn is a leader in the AMEDD field, and his influence extends to the national level. I think it’s important he be recognized, especially since all he does may not be apparent to everyone,” he said.