U.S. Surgeon General Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., F.A.C.S.

After a tour of Vietnam as a Green Beret Medic with two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star, Richard Carmona began working his way through college as a New York City beach lifeguard. When this high school drop out was accepted to the University of California Medical School, his NY lifeguard chief called the legendary Huntington Beach, California, Chief Vince Moorehouse to ask if Richard could work at the highly regarded and rigorous "Surf City" department. Chief Moorehouse said "Yes, if he's good and tough enough" -- and America's 17th Surgeon General was on his way to becoming one of the country's most successful "Coast-to-Coast" lifeguards!"

Go 10-8 with the Surgeon General. >> Surgeon General's Homepage

GO 10-8 For LIFE

To GO 10-8 means to Go On Duty. And with your life, comes the first and fundamental duty to yourself to make smart and healthy life decisions. I know students face a lot of tough choices — and it isn't always easy to know exactly what to do in every situation. But there is always a way to learn how to chart the best course for your life and to stick with it: team up with mentors and other students who have made a commitment to respect, protect, enhance and enjoy the best life has to offer us, our neighbors and our nation.

By teaming up with a local public health and safety cadet program — which you can find through a nearby lifeguard, fire or police headquarters, the Y, a Boys and Girls Club, Scout troop or community center — you can go 10-8 for fitness, fun, skills and service. And that is what a smart and healthy life is all about!

By becoming an ocean lifeguard — first in New York and then in California — I was able to transfer what I learned from serving our country in the Army to serving my community as a First Responder and soon thereafter, as a Physician. Now, as your Surgeon General, I am honored to serve America, again.

Through my 50 Schools in 50 States program, I am sharing with students all across America what I have learned from my career as a Green Beret, lifeguard, paramedic, deputy sheriff, a S.W.A.T. Team leader, a medical school professor, Chairman of Arizona's Southern Regional Emergency Medical System and, from the best job of my life, a father. Here is my message: In order to live a good and fulfilling life, we all need to team up with great people who are committed to making life better for everyone. The junior lifeguards in the GO-FIRST program, along with their instructors and families, are great teammates to help you GO 10-8 for Life!

Keep a look out for me as I continue to go "Coast-to-Coast" in my 50 Schools in 50 States
initiative and get ready to GO 10-8 with me as one of my Deputy Assistant Surgeon Generals. One great way to get ready is to study our Department of Health and Human Services website — www.hhs.gov — of course, as soon as your through swimming, surfing, skateboarding or finishing a fun run, walk or wheel!

Your friend,
Dr. Richard Carmona, U.S. Surgeon General