Medics and corpsmen, who are often unheralded yet routinely save the lives of troops on the front lines, were honored at a fundraising gala for the Armed Services YMCA on March 7.

The ASYMCA Angels of the Battlefield Gala recognized 35 medics and corpsmen representing all branches of service, chosen by their surgeons general.

One member from each service received a bronze replica of the Combat Medic Memorial Statue on behalf of their service’s medics or corpsmen. The statues will be displayed in a place determined by the services’ medical commands.

“In every war, corpsmen and medics have saved the lives and limbs of service members, as well as many enemy prisoners and civilians,” said retired Air Force Gen. Eugene Habiger, chairman of the National Board of Directors of the Armed Services YMCA, in a statement announcing the recognition. “On the battlefield, these men and women serve the medical needs of the wounded, and when the fighting is over, they are at the forefront of rebuilding and improving the health systems of the disputed lands.

“The Armed Services YMCA recognizes their significant contribution and feels their noble actions deserve acknowledgement.”

Accepting the statue on behalf of Army medics was Staff Sgt. Mario O. Medina; for the Navy, Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class (FMF) Andrew Klinger; for the Air Force, Master Sgt. Rodney Green; for the National Guard, Army Sgt. Jason Mike; and for the Coast Guard, Health Services Technician 1st Class Christopher Morrett.

The proceeds from the fundraising event will benefit the Armed Services YMCA, a national nonprofit organization that provides social and support services to service members and their families.