UAMS Receives Pro Patria Award
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Nov. 7, 2014 | Dozens of veterans in attendance and hundreds more employed by UAMS were honored at an appreciation breakfast, at which the university itself was presented with the state’s highest honor for an employer’s service to its veterans.
The Pro Patria Award, given by the Arkansas Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), was presented by state Sen. Jane English, chair of the ESGR, and accepted by UAMS Chancellor Dan Rahn, M.D. The Pro Patria Award is given to three employers statewide — one small, one large and one public sector — for leadership and policies that ease participation in the National Guard or Reserves.
“What you do as employers, giving these soldiers time off to train or go to war and then welcoming them back with open arms …that makes you as much a part of the defense of this country as those people who wear the uniform. You are patriots too,” said CM Sgt. Richard Green (ret.), administrative support technician for the ESGR.
Rahn, in accepting the award, noted that the praise for UAMS is praise for its faculty, staff and students. Those among them who serve in the military make all employees proud and deserve recognition, he said.
Following the chancellor’s remarks, the program continued with featured speaker Maj. Anthony Smith, who in 2004 was so badly injured by a rocket-propelled grenade that he was pronounced dead and placed in a body bag for 10 minutes until a nurse realized the mistake.
“Most of that story I’m not aware of. I was dead,” said Smith of his ordeal. “But after that day, no one is ever going to stop me from smiling anymore.”
He lost his right arm below the elbow, vision in his right eye, his right hip and a portion of his right thigh. Nevertheless, after a 62-day coma and two years in the hospital, he became determined to be athletic again through triathlons, cycling and martial arts. He also wanted to share the story of his survival to inspire others.
“I told the doctors, if I sit down and rest, I won’t be able to fulfill the purpose that God has given me,” he said. “And that, as I always tell people, is to never let the situation dictate the outcome. Don’t ever give up.”
Following Smith’s uplifting message, all veterans in the audience were recognized for their service, standing up as a group from each individual branch of service. Afterward, door prizes were drawn based on tickets given to each veteran.
The UAMS Veterans Awareness Celebration, which has so far raised more than $1,700 for care packages (not including items donated), continues with:
- Nov. 10
-Delivery of care packages to Fort Roots.
- Nov. 11
-Delivery of care packages and lunch at St. Francis House
-Veterans in-patients at UAMS will receive care packages and a visit from Uncle Sam.
-The cafeteria will feature a special red, white and blue menu.
- Nov. 19
-Benefits and education fair, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., EDII Ground Floor Concourse