Remote Area Medical hosted its first clinic since the death of its founder Stan Brock in Fentress County, Tennessee on Saturday.
Stan Brock's earthly mission may be done, but his vision is able to live on through people like Jeff Eastman, who is the first RAM CEO since Brock stepped down from the role.
Eastman says he had humble beginnings with RAM.
"I started out as a hall monitor," Eastman laughed.
Eastman eventually worked his way up through the ranks, spending some time as RAM's Chief Business Officer, and then being promoted to his current title of Chief Executive Officer.
"While [Stan] was deciding on the CEO, he said, 'Jeff, I want you to be my first CEO and lead the organization to the next big adventure,'" Eastman recounted.
Now, Eastman feels that Brock is watching over him and the clinic to make sure everything is just right.
"It feels like I've got somebody on my shoulder. He was always out here up front just kind of looking and making sure we're taking care of everybody. Making sure we don't forget somebody," Eastman said.
Stan knew, however, that patients couldn't get the help they needed without the help of thousands of volunteers, like Larry Durand, who has helped out with dental services since the early 90s. He continues to pitch in because he sees Brock's vision too.
"His mission that drew him to do what he did is not singular to Stan Brock," Durand noted.
Brock's vision is something that touches the young hall monitor, like Rachel Payne.
"It's fun and it's good to see the people and how grateful they are. It's crazy that I'm starting out the same way he did, and I could possibly be the same person one day. Who knows," Payne questioned.
RAM is all about passing the torch, and never forgetting the mission.
The RAM board of directors says they are confident RAM will continue to grow and thrive, especially after the clinic in Fentress County.
A celebration of life for Stan Brock will be held on September 27 at the Knoxville Civic Auditorium at 6 p.m.