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Dr. Brian Piltz, USMEPCOM Western Sector medical officer, processes an applicant during a MEPS in a Box popup in Orlando, Fla. Dr. Piltz brings a uniquely diverse background to guide operations, mentor providers and support the mission with a hands-on, problem-solving approach.

April 21, 2026

Meet a Medical Officer: Experience That Shapes Leadership

NORTH CHICAGO, Ill. — Dr. Brian Piltz has just recently settled into his role as Western Sector medical officer, but he has a perspective shaped by nearly two decades with USMEPCOM and a career path he describes as anything but traditional.

The Minneapolis MEPS medical team, led by Dr. Kristina McCaughtry (third from left) poses for a photo. Dr. Kristina McCaughtry serves as the Chief Medical Officer for Minneapolis MEPS and recently made her own challenge coin to show gratitude to an Army guidance counselor at the MEPS

Feb. 18, 2025

From Jet Mechanic to Chief Medical Officer: The Story Behind a Unique Challenge Coin

There are many tales of how challenge coins came to be a military tradition. The most common assumption dates to World War I, when a Soldier’s unit medallion saved his life by proving his identity to French soldiers, leading to many service members carrying them after. Another depiction says the tradition began in Vietnam, where U.S. troops avoided buying drinks in a bar by showing a coin to prove combat service.

Whitney Middleton, Fort Gregg-Adams MEPS nurse practitioner, poses in exam room in between reviewing medical documentation for applicants joining military service. Middleton currently serves as the sole full-time medical provider at Fort Gregg-Adams MEPS, assessing applicants against DoD and Service medical standards for military service.

Feb. 12, 2025

Meet a Provider: Nurse Practitioner Thrives at Fort Gregg-Adams MEPS

At the MEPS, medical providers play a critical role in military processing. They conduct physical exams, review medical documentation and make the initial medical qualification decisions for applicants joining military service.