Public servants can be found everywhere. They are on the front lines guarding our national security, curing diseases, caring for veterans, and providing vital services throughout the nation. As the medical center director of Truman VA and as a retired United States Army Colonel, I feel now more than ever the importance of recognizing public service as part of our national response to the current COVID-19 pandemic.
As a commander in Afghanistan, I witnessed many heroic, selfless acts on several different levels. Some put their very lives on the line to save one of their own. Medics often ran into danger to apply lifesaving tourniquets, and sometimes paid a terrible price. Staff spent long, sleepless nights caring for the injured. And soldiers often were quick to give their own blood when supplies were critically low.
Today, I watch our public servants do this daily. Police officers, firefighters and health care workers wrestle with an enemy ― COVID-19 ― that they cannot see. They are on the front lines of this battle. These men and women are our mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, husbands, wives, and friends. They are what we refer to as “essential,” but really, they should be called heroes. They put themselves at risk daily for the health of their community, spending countless, sleepless hours caring for the ill and keeping our public safe.
Here at Truman VA, I watch our staff band together to ensure that we provide excellent care for our Veterans in an environment that is safe for everyone. However, if you asked one of them why they do it, I bet you’d get a simple answer. That answer would have something to do with the fact that everyone here understands that our Veterans answered the call to serve this nation. By raising their right hand, they agreed to the possibility that at some point they may have to place themselves in danger and risk their lives for our country. Now it’s our turn. At Truman VA, our staff give back to these American heroes every day.
Since the founding of our nation, public employees have worked to ensure that our country is the best in the world. I want to personally thank all public servants for what they do for our community, our state, and our nation.
Public Service Recognition Week is May 3 through May 9 this year. However, we should recognize public service every day. If you know someone who works in public service, please let them know that you appreciate what they do.
Patricia Hall, PhD, FACHE, is medical center director of Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital in Columbia, Missouri. Dr. Hall also served in the U.S. Army, as did her husband and daughter. Her son currently serves in the U.S. Air Force.
Patricia Hall, PhD, FACHE
Harry S. Truman Memorial
Veterans’ Hospital
Columbia
