The PCOM chapter of the Student Association of Military Osteopathic Physicians and
Surgeons (SAMOPS) hosted the remembrance ceremony.
The Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) chapter of the Student Association of Military Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons
(SAMOPS) hosted a remembrance ceremony for September 11, honoring the lives lost in
the largest terror attacks on US soil.
Julie Ford (DO ’22) a second lieutenant in the Air Force, opened the ceremony. “We’re
gathered here today to honor the memory of the lives lost 18 years ago,” she said.
“We pause to remember the servicemen and women, the first responders, the friends,
the fathers, the mothers, brothers and sisters who lost their lives that day. [And]
we honor the heroes who ran toward the wounded, and not away from danger.”
The day’s distinguished speaker, PCOM Trustee James H. Black, DO ’62, served in the Navy in numerous capacities including flight surgeon, force medical
officer and supreme allied commander. After a distinguished career, he retired in
1998 as a rear admiral. Dr. Black reflected on Sept. 11, and how it had changed American
life in the years since.
“We went to war to get rid of the terrorist groups like the Taliban and Al Qaeda,
and we’re still fighting that war 18 years later,” he said. “It’s incumbent upon all
of us to remember the events of Sept. 11, and the nearly 3,000 people who lost their
lives that day and the families that they left behind.”
Dr. Black also praised the many alumni who serve in the military, whom he noted were
working to keep an event such as those on Sept. 11 from ever happening again.
“We currently have PCOM graduates serving in the military throughout the world—I’ve
had the honor to commission many of them, and am extremely proud of our graduates,”
he said.
SAMOPS includes students who are officers in the military and after graduating, will
serve as physicians in active duty.
About Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Founded in 1899, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) has trained thousands
of highly competent, caring physicians, health practitioners and behavioral scientists
who practice a “whole person” approach to care—treating people, not just symptoms.
PCOM operates three campuses (PCOM, PCOM Georgia and PCOM South Georgia) and offers doctoral degrees in clinical psychology, educational psychology, osteopathic
medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy and school psychology, and graduate degrees in
applied behavior analysis, applied positive psychology, biomedical sciences, forensic
medicine, medical laboratory science, mental health counseling, non profit leadership
and population health management, organizational development and leadership, physician
assistant studies, school psychology, and public health management and administration.
PCOM students learn the importance of health promotion, research, education and service
to the community. Through its community-based Healthcare Centers, PCOM provides care
to medically underserved populations. For more information, visit pcom.edu or call 215-871-6100.
For more information, contact: Daniel McCunney Associate Director, News and Media Relations Email: danielmc1@pcom.edu Office: 215-871-6304 | Cell:
267-449-1360