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JBSA News
NEWS | Jan. 30, 2014

U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research NCO selected for clinical laboratory scientist commission

By Steven Galvan U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research Public Affairs

Sgt. Victor Gaines, the noncommissioned officer in charge of the Directed Energy Group of the ocular trauma task area at the U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, has been selected for a commission as a clinical laboratory scientist.

Gaines received his commission this month after attending the Basic Officer Leadership Course at the U.S. Army Medical Department Center and School at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston.

"I am excited about being selected for a commission," he said. "I believe I was selected because I take care of Soldiers and know my job."

Gaines has been in the Army for seven years and at the institute for two years.
He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from the University of Texas at San Antonio, as well as a medical technology certification.

"I am very excited to apply my knowledge to my work," Gaines said.

"I love being a noncommissioned officer and I will miss the direct development of Soldiers."

Growing up as an Army "brat," Gaines knew that he would join the Army.

"It's a family tradition," he said. "My stepdad, both grandfathers and my uncle served in the Army."

Gaines will receive orders to his first assignment as a commissioned officer this month and will continue working on his current and long-term goals.

"My short-term goal is to finish my master's degree and my long-term goal is to retire from the Army," he said.

Gaines insists on giving all the credit for completing this milestone in his Army career to his family.

"They supported me the first two times that I was put on the order of merit list. They encouraged me to put in my packet again this year"

The OML means he meets requirements for selection and can be selected if selected applicants cannot fulfill commission obligations.

Gaines provides the same advice for anyone seeking to earn a direct commission in the Army.

"Don't give up if you're not selected," he said.