Sigma Navy Nurse Top Prizewinner in National Cherokee Award 

Even though this story took place in September of 2004 I felt it was important that all members of the Fraternity get an opportunity to see what our brothers are doing around the world. During the war on terror so many men and women continue to serve our country selfishly and with out reservation. Members of Phi Beta Sigma continue to be on the front lines protecting freedom and the lives of so many. For the month of February the Sigma Spot lights recognizes Navy nurse Bro. Charles E. Dickerson. 

Bro. Dickerson while assigned to Fleet Hospital 3 in Camp Viper, Iraq, inside an active combat zone, provided bedside care to 250 critically ill and acute patients. One of his patients was a young boy who had been shot in the head, reportedly by Iraqi militia. Bro. Dickerson received the dying boy on a transport ventilator with very limited functions . . . indicating a need for pressure control ventilation. Bro. Dickerson recommended trying a combination of carefully titrated paralytics,
narcotics and sedatives all at once. By doing this he intended to put the boy into a state which would keep him ventilated - a feat that is difficult under the best conditions, never mind in the middle of a war zone. For eight hours, Bro. Dickerson stayed at the boy's side carefully administering the medication with a syringe . . . Additionally; he applied saline-soaked gauze to the child's face, anticipating the needs of plastic surgeons for future reconstructive surgery. Due to Bro. Dickerson's decisive and comprehensive action, the patient was safely medically evacuated to Kuwait, and his life was saved.

In September 2004 Bro. Dickerson was awarded the Cherokee Inspired Comfort Award. Cherokee Uniforms created the Cherokee Inspired Comfort Award to recognize and honor nurses and non-physician healthcare professionals who have impacted the lives of others through exceptional service, sacrifice and innovation," according to Cherokee. "The award acknowledges the dedication of these professionals and expresses admiration for their intelligence, skill, compassion, and devotion."

As the top prizewinner of the award in the Registered Nurses category, Bro. Dickerson received a $1,000 contribution (in his name) to the hospital's Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Committee fund, benefiting all staff members and sponsored charities; an all expense paid trip within the continental U.S. to any 2005 medical conference; A 2005 membership to the professional association of his choice; an engraved Ultra Scope stethoscope; a crystal Cherokee Inspired Comfort Award; and a commemorative gold pin. Also, he will be featured in the 2005 Cherokee calendar to be distributed nationwide, according to Cherokee officials.
Bro. Charles E. Dickerson was initiated into the Fraternity in the spring of 1995 at Delta Nu Chapter- University of Memphis. He has held various positions in the fraternity to include President and Vice-President. Bro. Dickerson is an active duty Naval Officer and is stationed at Naval Hospital Yokosuka as a Registered Nurse in the Intensive Care Unit. He holds a BS in Nursing and is a Certified Critical Care Nurse. He originally joined the Navy in 1994 as an enlisted sailor but through an excellent program he was picked up for a program leading to a commission in the US Navy. He is married to Mrs. Bandi Dickerson and has three daughters: Tatyana, Briana and Halle. He is the chartering Vice-President of Nu Eta Sigma Chapter in Japan.

Bro. Dickerson's actions continue to exemplify all that we stand for as men of Phi Beta Sigma. Our continued dedication to service affirms the vision of our founders 91 years later, "Culture for Service and Service to Humanity"

The Sigma Spot Light looks to recognize members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity who are doing great things in our communities.  If you know a brother who may be a potential Sigma Spot Light candidate send his information to technology@pbs1914.org.