May is Military Appreciation Month, and we want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible individuals within our team who have served or are currently serving our country. Over the years, we have been privileged to support our employees and their families during military deployments, offering flexible time off and prioritizing their well-being while they fulfill their duties. This commitment has earned us recognition as a Patriotic Employer by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee (ESGR).
Our organization deeply appreciates all the brave men and women who dedicate their lives to protecting our freedoms. When we reached out to our staff, we were overwhelmed by the number of people who either served or have military family members.
Let’s shine a light on some of our honorable colleagues and their experiences:
Name: Alex Thompson
Position: Physician
Branch: US Navy
Rank/Position: Commander
Years of Service: 14 active, 4 reserve
Awards/Recognition: Army Achievement Medal, Overseas Service with star, Meritorious Unit Commendation
Deployment: Assisted with the relocation of Kurdish refugees
Memorable Experience: Spending four years in Guam allowed me to connect with amazing people, including some unique cultural experiences on the island of Yap.
Impact of Service: Military service taught me the importance of teamwork and that success often comes from relying on others. The exposure to different cultures has broadened my perspective immensely.
Name: Lisa Carter
Position: Clinical Operations Director
Branch: US Navy
Rank/Position: Commander/Nurse Corps
Years of Service: 24
Awards/Recognition: Navy Achievement, Navy Commendation, and many medals for my service during the Persian Gulf War
Deployment: Various duty stations, including Iceland and the hospital ship USNS Comfort during the Persian Gulf War
Memorable Experience: My time in Iceland was unforgettable, and working on the USNS Comfort was exhilarating as we set up a floating hospital during a critical time.
Impact of Service: The Navy instilled in me a sense of discipline and adaptability that has served me well throughout my career and personal life.
Name: Mia Johnson
Position: Nurse Practitioner
Branch: US Navy
Rank/Position: Captain
Years of Service: 25
Awards/Recognition: Meritorious Service Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, and more
Deployment: Multiple deployments including on the USNS Comfort during Desert Storm
Memorable Experience: The camaraderie felt during my first deployment was life-changing, especially when we were greeted upon arrival in the Persian Gulf.
Impact of Service: It has taught me the value of responsibility and flexibility, and I have built lifelong friendships across the globe.
Name: Jamie Lee
Position: Admin Assistant
Branch: US Army
Rank/Position: Sergeant
Years of Service: 11
Awards/Recognition: Army Commendation Medal, among others
Deployment: Served in Operation Iraqi Freedom
Memorable Experience: The friendships I forged during service will last a lifetime, creating a bond that feels like family.
Impact of Service: My experiences have taught me to appreciate freedom and stay motivated towards my goals.
Name: Sarah Mitchell
Position: Medical Assistant
Branch: US Air Force
Rank/Position: Finance/Accounting Technician
Years of Service: 4
Awards/Recognition: Star Award and others
Memorable Experience: I loved singing the National Anthem at ceremonies; it was a proud moment that reflected the spirit of service.
Impact of Service: The military made me mentally tougher and taught me that overcoming life’s challenges often starts with the right mindset.
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In summary, as we honor Military Appreciation Month, we celebrate the contributions of our team members who have served. Their experiences and lessons learned continue to inspire us every day.