With more than 100 active reservists and veterans of the U.S. armed services on the team at AnMed, the health system takes special interest and pride in celebrating and supporting veterans.
AnMed has been honored by the South Carolina Department of Veterans Affairs for its services to military teammates and families, and local events throughout the year express appreciation, admiration and commitment.
A Memorial Day ceremony brought community members to the flag pole in front of AnMed Medical Center, where fallen service members were remembered and honored. An honor guard presented colors, and Greg Nix, an Army veteran and physician assistant at AnMed Young Adult Primary Care, delivered remarks.
Nix chairs AnMed’s VetNET teammate resource group, which leads engagement with and for veterans at AnMed. VetNET strengthens relationships between AnMed and its military teammates, and it also strives to recruit more veterans as employees.
The health system treasures the values instilled in military service. The message to veterans is simple.
“We value you,” Nix said. “We value your input.”
AnMed has participated in the annual Puppies & Patriots 5K and Dog Walk, which serves as a fundraiser to provide service and companion dogs to veterans.
A Final Salute program that involves VetNET and AnMed’s Spiritual Care department produces a statement that’s broadcast to acknowledge the passing of a veteran as a flag and card are presented by a chaplain to the veteran’s family.
Veterans Day brings more special observances every November. AnMed teammates are honored for their military service with hand-sewn Quilts of Valor as veterans from throughout the community are invited to take part.
Nix, a veteran of 20 years, moved the crowd with a personal and at times emotional address during the Veterans Day celebration in 2023.
“It’s an honor and privilege to share love and support for military veterans throughout our community and beyond,” said Juana Slade, AnMed’s chief diversity officer and director of language services. “We benefit every day from what they’ve done for our nation, and we at AnMed specifically benefit from what our teammates who are veterans do every day. A successful health system shares many similarities with military life and service: the commitment to excellence, service above self, innovation, integrity and collaboration.
“To the veterans on our team and all others elsewhere, we say, ‘Thank you for your service.’”