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Bay Pines VA Announces Inaugural Honorees for Women Veteran Wall

PRESS RELEASE

September 14, 2023

BAY PINES , FL — Today, Bay Pines VA Healthcare System announced the inaugural honorees of the organization’s new Women Veteran Wall, as part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ celebration of 100 Years of Serving Women Veterans.

The four-foot by six-foot maple spectrum display spotlights six photo frames and a frosted acrylic panel collage of key words and phrases from women Veterans. The Women Veteran Wall will be a permanent feature at the C.W. Bill Young VA Medical Center, Lee County Healthcare Center, and the organization’s seven VA Clinics.

“In our 90th year, we are honoring a legacy of service, and we cannot think of a better way to reflect that message than the establishment of a Women Veteran Wall during VA’s centennial celebration of service to women Veterans,” said Bay Pines VA Director/CEO Paul M. Russo during the initial announcement May 30. “We look forward to honoring these dedicated women who have made an impact through their service in support of freedom at home and around the world.”

The inaugural class of honorees were selected among women Veterans serving as nurses across Bay Pines VA Healthcare System. The fall 2023 class is as follows:

  • Kathleen Boykin, former corporal., U.S. Marine Corps,
  • Lourdes Cruz, major, U.S. Air Force, retired,
  • Shelley Eversole, lieutenant colonel, U.S. Air Force, retired,
  • Priscilla Head, former captain, U.S. Army,
  • Melissa McAfee, former petty officer third class, U.S. Navy, and
  • Lynn McKinney-Wilson, major, U.S. Army, retired.

“Leadership chose the nursing service as the spotlight for the inaugural class because throughout history, whether it be on the battlefield or as part of Bay Pines VA Healthcare System, nurses have been the foundation for the timely and effective delivery of quality health care,” added Bay Pines VA Associate Director for Patient Care Services Carrie Hawkins. “These six women remain dedicated to serving fellow Veterans and embody the VA’s Core Values of Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence.”

As part of the Women Veteran Wall display, each Veteran is featured with her branch of service, rank, photo, and a bio detailing her service, deployments, accomplishments, and where she currently serves Veterans across the healthcare system.

Leadership has plans to transition the displays every six months, coinciding with Women’s History Month in March and then, again, in September, which commemorates VA’s centennial milestone of service to women Veterans.

“This decision affords us the opportunity to feature more women Veterans from across our catchment who have been trailblazers and difference makers,” added Russo. “We want to celebrate them and honor their legacy of service in support of freedom, at home and around the world.”                                                                                                 

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