The Madigan Healthcare System has two very good reasons to smile.

Staff Sgt. Joseph Vespe and Spc. Jose Velasquez recently were named Madigan's Noncommissioned Officer of the Year for 2010 and Madigan's Soldier of the Year for 2010, respectively.

"It is great to be recognized," said Vespe.

"I agree," added Velasquez.  "Recognition by one's peers is an honor."

A licensed practical nurse, Vespe joined the Army five years ago in order to gain more experience in the medical field.

"I wanted to learn more," said the Nevada native during a telephone interview.  "But more important, I wanted to serve my country."

Assigned to the medical facility's cardiac critical care unit, Vespe works with pre and post operation cardiac patients.

"It is wonderful to work for and with patients," he added.

This is an attitude that Velasquez also identified with.

"My work as a lab technician in the department of pathology gives me the chance to solve problems to help our patients," said the native of Texas.

Velasquez, who as been in the Army for three years, attributes his desire to serve to his family.

"There is no reason to be second to anyone," he said during a telephone interview.  "I am dedicated to everything and anything I do.  I represent my family and country and those who have gone before me."

In gaining their respective awards, both Soldiers passed a series of tests designed to test their physical and intellectual abilities.

"We both had met and passed the monthly and quarterly boards before being selected to compete before the annual board," explained Vespe.

Of timely interest, both soldiers had to write an essay on the impact of social networking and fraternization in the military.

"It was a challenge to write," said Vespe.

"The key was to show the importance of how to use social networking without having a breakdown in discipline."

Both soldiers have some advice to offer to their brothers and sisters in arms.

"Don't let people tell you that you can't accomplish what you set out to do; you should not let anyone hold you back," said Vespe.

Velasquez agreed.

"Define what you want; do not wait for opportunities to come to you. Go out and get what you desire."