LT Elena Vaouli was nominated for her public health response efforts to the earthquake, tsunami, and flooding that struck the American Samoa (AS) in September 2009. An earthquake 120 miles from the American Samoa generated a destructive tsunami that hit the islands causing widespread destruction, devastating the public health infrastructure, and claiming the lives of over 180 people.
With limited experience in emergency response, LT Vaouli provided outstanding services as an officer and displayed exemplary leadership skills. She interacted with community leaders, local authorities, federal authorities (FEMA, CDC, and EPA) and relief organizations to assess the immediate needs of residents affected by the earthquake and tsunami. She served as EPA's liaison to the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) focusing on water quality issues while performing environmental health assessments of federal buildings, community shelters, and villages impacted by the tsunami.
LT Vaouli served in a public health capacity in the response and recovery phase for a total of five weeks. LT Vaouli worked along local and federal emergency response workers to support the AS government and its people attempting to bring life back to normal.
The EHO Responder of the Year award will be presented during Category day at this year's Commissioned Officer's Foundation Conference in May.
