May 09, 2025 | By DHA Director’s Communications and Public Affairs Division
Heroes show their true colors when devastation hits.
When Hurricane Helene swept through the southeastern United States in 2024, it was the deadliest hurricane to strike the U.S. mainland in almost 20 years.
Troy Akers, a physician and chief of emergency medicine at Dwight David Eisenhower Army Medical Center, Fort Eisenhower, Georgia, showed the world what real-world heroes look like in the storm’s aftermath.
Because of his heroism, Akers was named the 2025 Civilian Hero of Military Medicine in a ceremony on May 8, 2025. The award recognizes Akers for his outstanding leadership, dedication to taking care of patients, and commitment to improving military medical practices.
"Dr. Troy Akers is a great example of the kind of dedicated person we are lucky to have in our unique health system," said Dr. David Smith, acting director of the Defense Health Agency.
Akers showed how he embodies selfless service during Hurricane Helene. Even though his own home was damaged, he focused on the needs of the community and the patients first. "He grabbed a chainsaw and cut his way out of his home and local area so that he could reach the hospital. Which is where he stayed – around the clock – for the next eight days," Smith said. "Dr. Akers stepped forward and made sure all patients were safely moved."
The storm caused extensive damage, and the hospital lost power and water, forcing the evacuation of over 30 service members, family members, and civilians.
Akers coordinated the safe transfer of patients, including the critically ill, and worked with other hospitals to ensure everyone got the medical care they needed. He also led the effort to get the hospital back up and running after the storm.
Smith added, "This is what leadership looks like during a crisis. These are the actions of someone who has the qualities we want: calmness, confidence, and caring for those he serves."
Besides his leadership in emergencies, Akers is committed to teaching and training. He created a training program to improve skills for handling high-risk medical situations, benefiting over 250 health care workers.
Leaders at DDEAMC praised Akers for making the DDEAMC Emergency Room one of the best in the military health system. Akers focused on making things better, they said, which helped the department exceed national standards. “With his leadership, DDEAMC was the first DHA medical center to create an emergency department team of DHA civilian interfacility transport paramedics,” said Col. (Dr.) Mark Craig, DDEAMC’s deputy commander for clinical services, when recommending Akers for the award.
“During times of chaos, such as Hurricane Helene, I witnessed his heroic efforts firsthand,” Craig added. “His commitment extends beyond daily responsibilities, showcasing remarkable resilience in catastrophic situations.”
A veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom, Akers previously served on active duty in the U.S. Army as an emergency medicine physician. During a deployment to Afghanistan as the flight surgeon for Task Force Viper, he took part in over 200 combat missions, often while under direct fire. He improved how patients were evacuated, saving lives, and for his actions, received the Bronze Star Medal. He was also named the 2011 Flight Surgeon of the Year by the Army Aviation Association of America.
"There are many ways to serve your country, and Troy Akers is a perfect example,” said Smith.
Akers clearly began serving his country when he first raised his right hand and swore to defend the nation, and he continues to live by that oath now.
