Dr. Bri­an Pisu­la, Tam­my Fry named dis­tin­guished cit­i­zens of the year

Dr. Brian Pisula and Tammy Fry were honored this month with the 2018 Distinguished Citizen Award by the Boy Scouts of America. Both recipients were honored for exemplifying the BSA values of kindness, leadership, personal responsibility and civic duty. They accepted the awards May 3 during the annual dinner held by the East Carolina Council, White Oak River District.

Dr. Pisula, an emergency medicine physician at Onslow Memorial Hospital was recognized for his outstanding contributions to the medical community. Ms. Fry, an Allstate agent in Swansboro, was recognized for her efforts in the business community. Last year she helped with the BSA 250 at the Carteret County Speedway which helped fun a Camp Boddie Chapel project and provided funding to Scouts for summer camps.

One of Dr. Pisula’s co-workers wrote this about him: “Dr. Pisula is always kind, compassionate, and caring with his patients. He explains everything and assures his patients understand. He is incredibly smart and always quick to act -- all while keeping a calm and level head in critical situations. He takes his job very seriously and never forgets to treat each and every patient with kindness and dignity no matter the situation.”

Penney Burlingame Deal, CEO and President of Onslow Memorial Hospital said, “Dr. Pisula is the epitome of a dedicated and compassionate physician, and we are so pleased to share in this celebration.”

“Scouts and physicians have a great deal in common,” said Dr. Scott Johnston, chief of staff at Onslow Memorial Hospital and long-time supporter of the Boy Scouts. “Both value and promote the idea of helping people, and both groups promote the idea of setting an example of physical and emotional well-being.”

Dr. Pisula and Ms. Fry were not the only ones making history at the May 3 awards banquet. The event also marked the first time female Cub Scouts were featured in the ceremony. Annabelle B. and Jessica C. joined Jackson W. in a panel discussion of “What Scouting Means to Me.”

PICTURED L-R Dr. Brian Pisula, Annabelle, Jessica, Jackson, and Tammy Fry. The awards banquet was an historic one for Onslow County, as it was the first ceremony including female Cub Scouts. -- PHOTO BY MARTIN CLEMMER