Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
A woman with Tucumcari ties recently earned a commendation medal from the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps for meritorious conduct during COVID-19 vaccination efforts.
Kristen Earle, a 2010 graduate of Tucumcari High School and daughter of T.J. and Kim Rich, received the honor in August.
According to the commendation, Earle was a team leader at a COVID-19 vaccination off-site naval hospital in Jacksonville, Florida, from January to May 2021.
“Petty Officer Earle led one of the first COVID-19 vaccine mass vaccination off-site locations across the Department of Defense which safely provided 64,000 vaccinations to operational forces, shore commands and beneficiaries,” the document stated. “She supported 4 officers and led 50 enlisted in the screening, vaccination and documentation process which ensured 100 percent accountability.”
It also stated Earle provided oversight and management of the vaccine supply, tracking and ordering process that ensured its adequate supply and the proper prioritization of vaccine delivery.
“Petty Officer Earle's distinctive accomplishments, unrelenting perseverance, and steadfast devotion to duty reflected credit upon herself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service,” it stated.