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The American Heart Association recognized Lt. Gen. Patricia D. Horoho, Army surgeon general and commanding general of U.S. Army Medical Command, with its Heart Hero award at the annual Heart Ball.

Now in its 6th year, the American Heart Association's Heart Hero program recognizes local contributors to the field of health, who have also served in the military or are currently serving. Its aim is to highlight commitment to duty, and passion for medicine within the military and outside.

Horoho was nominated in recognition of the Performance Triad and its visibility throughout the Army. Prevention of cardiovascular disease is the American Heart Association's largest platform and the Performance Triad's focus on prevention through better sleep, activity, and nutrition behaviors, supports those efforts.

"Better sleep, activity, and nutrition behaviors help improve the readiness of our Army Family," said Horoho, who is the first female and first nurse to serve as the U.S. Army surgeon general. "We are moving away from that disease model of care and we are really turning that around and focusing more on improving, restoring and maintaining," she said.

Horoho was nominated by Army cardiologist Lt. Col. Todd Villines, who is also the president of the American Heart Association board of directors. Army Reserve retired Col. William C. Devries and Army Medical Corps officer Col. Frederick Lough were also honored.

"They are at the tip of the spear, improving outcomes as a result of their strong leadership in research, education, and healing; which has made them true heroes and we salute them by telling their story," said Cheryl Campbell, senior vice president of CGI and board chair for the American Heart Association's Greater Washington Region.

Former first daughter Chelsea Clinton was the guest of honor at this year's event, which was held at Washington, D.C.'s Mandarin Hotel, Feb. 28.

For more information on the Performance Triad, visit www.ArmyMedicine.mil.