Storyboard Language for Veteran's Memorial

United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps 
The USPHS Commissioned Corps is a branch of uniformed services within the United States of America 
which is dedicated to the service of health.  Its mission is to “protect, promote, and advance the health 
and safety of the nation.”  Commissioned officers serve in the federal government as physicians, nurses, 
dentists, veterinarians, scientists, engineers, and more.  USPHS is led by the Surgeon General who holds 
the rank of Vice Admiral.  Major militarization of the USPHSCC occurred during World War II and the 
Korean War.   
 
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps 
The NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps is a branch of the uniformed services in the United States of 
America dedicated to monitoring oceanic conditions, support major waterways, and monitor 
atmospheric conditions.  The work of NOAA Corps officers has helped understand climate change, 
predict the weather, and aid in recovery after national disasters such as hurricanes.  NOAA was 
militarized during the Civil War, Spanish-American War, World War I, and World War II.  Wartime roles 
for NOAA officers include artillery surveyors, hydrographers, amphibious engineers, air reconnaissance 
surveyors, beach masters, instructors at service schools, and a wide variety of technical positions.    
 
United State Merchant Marine 
United States Merchant Marine is comprised of civilian mariners and sailors on privately or federally 
owned merchant vessels registered in the United States of America.  Its primary mission is to engage in 
commerce and the transportation of goods in and out of American waters.  Merchant Marine officers 
are often graduates of the US Merchant Marine Academy.  The Merchant Marine provided goods and 
services to soldiers during the Revolutionary War, Civil War, World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, 
and all recent conflicts in which the United States has been involved.