Staff Sgt. Shannon Harris is an important soldier.

She is the noncommissioned officer in charge of Madigan Army Medical Center’s central material services. In other words, she oversees the work of 13 soldiers and 15 civilians to ensure that all surgical implements used at MAMC and 68 clinics are sterilized.

“The tasks we complete are important to optimal patient care,” said Harris. “We constantly bear in mind as we work that patients’ lives are at risk.”

Entering the Army nine years ago, the native of the Philippines did so in order to serve her new country and make a better life for herself.

“I come from a Third World country; I wanted more from life, and I wanted to be a soldier,” explained Harris.

And she has no intention of remaining a NCO for the rest of her career in the Army.

“I am working through the Army Enlisted Commissioning Program,” said Harris. “I am going to be an Army nurse.”

To accomplish this goal, Harris believes that putting the core value of integrity is vital to her continued success.

“Everything we do as soldiers begins with integrity,” she said. “Your integrity is important to the mission, the staff, the patients, and your fellow soldiers.”

In thinking about what she believes every noncommissioned officer should always remember in working with other soldiers, Harris offered the following thought:

“Whatever you do, constantly work to improve on what you do and how you do it,” she said. “As a NCO you owe it to your soldiers and chain of command to give your best.”