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Students from the Arkansas Military and First Responder Academy conduct the presentation of colors at the start of the Veterans Appreciation Breakfast.
Image by Evan Lewis
UAMS Hosts Breakfast, Donation Drive to Show Appreciation for Veterans
| The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) on Nov. 6 hosted a Veterans Appreciation Breakfast to honor students and employees for their service in the armed forces.
The event, organized by the Veterans Subcommittee of the UAMS Division for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DDEI), was part of a monthlong celebration of veterans at UAMS and in the community. The effort included a campuswide donation drive to deliver care packages to three facilities that assist veterans in central Arkansas.
The veterans breakfast began with a performance of the national anthem by Anthony Drake, administrative analyst for DDEI, and a presentation of colors by students from the Arkansas Military and First Responder Academy.
Col. Jefferson Thurlby, medical group commander for the 188th Wing of the Arkansas Air National Guard, speaks at the Veterans Appreciation Breakfast.Image by Evan Lewis
Susan McDougal, director of pastoral care and clinical pastoral education, welcomed the attendees and spoke about her experiences as the daughter of a veteran. She recalled the nights during her childhood when her father would stay up with her and share stories about his military service, even when some of those stories weren’t easy to tell.
“I’d like to encourage you all to share your stories, too,” she told the veterans. “There’s nothing more important than hearing from the men and women of the armed forces who have served together — especially now when the world seems so troubled.”
Cam Patterson, M.D., MBA, UAMS chancellor and CEO of UAMS Health, thanked the veterans for all the sacrifices they’ve made for their country. He said the event offered a reminder of all that the veterans have done to make Americans feel safe, as well as the contributions they’ve made during their time at UAMS.
“For those of you who have served, you bring something special to Team UAMS,” he said. “You bring experiences that make us a better health care provider for our patients.”
Col. Jefferson Thurlby, M.D., medical group commander for the 188th Wing of the Arkansas Air National Guard, was the event’s guest speaker. Thurlby, a 1998 graduate of the UAMS College of Medicine, looked back on his nearly 30 years of military service and described the current mission at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith, where the 188th Wing is stationed.
He said his experience in the military has made him a better person, taking away his thoughts of self-importance and teaching him about the value of community.
“My service has shown me that I can make a bigger difference in this world and be happier focusing on the needs of others rather than my own,” he said.
Thurlby highlighted the roles performed at the air base, including intelligence-gathering and training for military and medical personnel. He also noted the importance of building relationships with countries around the world. An Arkansas Air National Guard team last year made a visit to Guatemala, part of a state collaboration with that nation’s leaders.
“Diplomatic tools are important in this day and age,” he said.
Citing the scope of the missions and challenges facing the United States, Thurlby encouraged the attendees to continue offering their support to those who are serving today.
“Although you’ve given a lot, your fellow veterans still need you,” he said.
Patrick Lee, executive assistant for women and infant services, volunteers at a collection table during the donation drive.
The appreciation breakfast marked DDEI’s first opportunity to hold an in-person celebration of veterans since the start of the pandemic, said Brian Gittens, Ed.D., MPA, vice chancellor for diversity, equity and inclusion.
“On behalf of UAMS and the Division for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, I want to thank each of you for your service, sacrifice and honor,” said Gittens, who served as a captain in the U.S. Marine Corps.
Gittens also thanked the hundreds of UAMS employees who took part in the donation drive by volunteering at collection tables, donating items or signing thank you cards for veterans.
Patrick Lee, executive assistant for women and infant services, was among the volunteers. Lee, a retired Navy chief, said it’s important to provide assistance and support for those who are in need.
“We want to show them love and let them know that we’re grateful for their service,” he said.
Interns from UAMS Project SEARCH assemble care packages for delivery to three facilities that assist veterans in central Arkansas.
A group of interns from UAMS Project SEARCH, a job training program for young adults with developmental disabilities, assembled 300 care packages for the veterans. Each package contained clothing and personal-care products, as well as a thank you card.
UAMS is delivering care packages to the Eugene J. Towbin Healthcare Center in North Little Rock, to the Arkansas State Veterans Home in North Little Rock, and to veterans in transitional housing at St. Francis House Ministries in Little Rock. Volunteers will also visit with veterans admitted to the UAMS Medical Center, handing out donated items and expressing appreciation for their service.