OhioHealth Celebrates Veterans

The story of our country couldn’t have been written without them. And as we honor Veteran’s, throughout our great country, OhioHealth wanted to go further for these brave men and women, sponsoring Honor Flight Columbus, Mission 125, with an all-expense paid trip to Washington DC.

"When you are around people with similar experiences, you can come and relish that we had the opportunity and honor to serve our country., said Cherie Smith, Chief Nursing Officer for OhioHealth Grady Memorial and Dublin Methodist Hospitals.

From the moment they arrived at John Glenn International Airport, early in the morning, these veterans were treated like the heroes they truly are.

“When we arrived at the airport, the clapping, it about brings tears to your eyes, said Joel Garber, Retired, U.S. Navy.”

Those tears carried throughout the day. As these veterans, with their OhioHealth guardians were moved at each stop

“A lot of men and women gave their lives in service for our country, proud to be one of them, and I’m 72, but if they called me back, I’d go again," said Howard Patrick, Retired, U.S. Navy.

The day was also powerful for the guardians, many with service time of their own.

“It brought out the emotions for them, and I know the guardians too, to present them with challenge coins, and pinning for my vets," said Glenn Williams, MD, OhioHealth Employer Solutions.

For some, this day goes beyond recognition and celebration, its finding that connection again.

“You felt at home with your old buddies, didn’t even have to know them," said Vernon Davis, World War II veteran.

And a welcome home for the ages.  A day of emotion, connection, and in some cases healing.

“The day is a day to allow them to start healing, we have so many stories, they can talk about, sharing those stories," said Dawn Prall, MD, Lead Medical for Honor Flight Columbus.

And a community and healthcare organization, thankful for service, and sacrifice.