First-year federal employee earns prestigious award Published June 23, 2008 By Linda Frost 59th Medical Wing Public Affairs LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- A 25-year-old Wilford Hall civilian employee is one of 29 Service to America Medals finalists honoring outstanding federal workers around the world who are making high-impact contributions critical to the safety, health and well-being of Americans. Dave Carballeyra, director of stereolithography at MacKown Dental Clinic, was chosen as a top finalist from nearly 500 nominations during an awards ceremony June 18 on Capitol Hill. Mr. Carballeyra is a contender for the final eight awards, including Federal Employee of the Year, set to be presented on Sept. 16 at a Washington, D.C., black-tie gala. The Service to America Medals have earned a reputation as one of the most prestigious awards dedicated to celebrating America's civil servants. "The Service to America Medals are important because they tell the true stories of the remarkable work that our federal employees do each and every day. There is not a day that passes where government does not touch our lives in some way - whether it is securing our homeland, or conducting cutting edge research to cure disease," said Max Stier, president, Partnership for Public Service. Honorees are chosen based on their commitment and innovation, as well as the impact of their work on addressing the needs of the nation. Mr. Carballeyra was noted for his contributions in helping recovering veterans rebuild their lives by helping surgeons rebuild their bodies. Within his first year as a civilian employee of the Air Force, Mr. Carballeyra introduced cutting-edge technology to improve medical care and rehabilitation by helping restore quality of life for servicemembers who have suffered traumatic battle injuries. "Dave is an innovator," said Col. Charles DeFreest, commander, 59th Dental Support Squadron. "He is allowing us to realize the full potential of our technology in stereolithography. He is a team player and cares a lot about wounded military members. He isn't just a computer technician; he cares about people," added Colonel DeFreest. Mr. Carballeyra transformed the Air Force's sole three-dimensional medical modeling laboratory, the Department of Defense's first center of this type, into a cutting-edge facility that provides innovative aids to surgeons and rehabilitative specialists treating wounded fighters. Three-dimensional modeling is a tool increasingly used in the medical profession to prepare for complex surgeries and to develop surgical guides. It involves using computers to analyze patients' injuries and create virtual models that are used to shape and fit prostheses and provide guides for surgeries. The result is surgical procedures that are dramatically safer, simpler and faster. "I'm greatly honored to have been nominated for this award," commented Mr. Carballerya. "Much appreciation goes out to the efforts of my supervisor and mentor, Colonel DeFreest in nominating me. I could not have achieved any of my goals in the past year without the support and collaboration of all the providers and technicians who I have had the pleasure of working with," he said. By allowing for less invasive procedures, Mr. Carballeyra's efforts have cut surgical time for some procedures in half. Fewer x-rays are needed during surgery to ensure proper placement. Surgeons make fewer and smaller incisions. Patients spend less time under anesthesia. Most important, surgeries using these technologies and methods result in better outcomes for the patients. This year's finalists include federal workers who boast achievements in scientific research, renewable energy, consumer protection, health care, tsunami warning, refugee resettlement, malaria prevention, environmental conservation, human rights, foreign affairs, disaster relief and border enforcement.