Ambassadors of excellence: Keith Antoine
By Joey Swafford, Public Affairs
CHARLESTON, S.C. At the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System, compassion and connection are at the heart of care. For Veterans receiving inpatient mental health treatment, nursing assistant Keith Antoine is often the person who makes them feel seen, heard and valued
Keith works in Inpatient Mental Health, where every day brings a new opportunity to support Veterans on their journey to healing. “We do everything we can to help the Veteran,” Keith said. “We keep them on a schedule, make sure they know about classes and resources, and serve as their first-line advocates if they need anything. We’re also there to talk with them about what they’re dealing with. It’s all about making sure they feel cared for and supported.”
That genuine care is what Veterans appreciate most. “Keith makes everyone feel seen and brought joy to the floor every time he was there,” one Veteran said. Another shared, “Keith was awesome. He always puts patients first. His attitude, spirit and calming vibes were contagious.” Others described him as “friendly, kind, assertive when necessary but always professional.” One Veteran noted, “Mr. Antoine somehow recognized I wasn’t my normal self as soon as he entered the unit and immediately began to help me.”
Keith joined the VA after more than 20 years working for the state in health care and says it has been one of the most rewarding decisions of his life. “It feels great,” he said. “If I had known earlier that I could take care of Veterans, I would have spent my whole career doing it. My uncle, who worked for the VA before he passed, told me I should be here. He was right. I love it.”
The work, he admits, can be challenging, but the reward is immeasurable. “It’s hard to see Veterans suffer, but it’s an honor to help the people who have taken care of us,” Keith said. “When a Veteran who has sacrificed so much stands up out of their wheelchair and salutes you, that’s powerful. It’s humbling, and it motivates me to give my best every single day.”
Keith’s pride also extends to his team on 3A. “Our unit is high-paced and serves Veterans from Charleston, Savannah, Hinesville and Myrtle Beach,” he said. “We all work together because we care about the Veterans, and when we focus on that, they receive the highest standard of care.”
For Keith, being named October’s Ambassador of Excellence is both an honor and a reminder of why he serves. “I’m humbled to be chosen among so many dedicated people,” he said. “I just want Veterans to know we’re here for them. Don’t wait until things get really bad. Come see us. We’re standing by to help you. Every one of us here truly cares about you.”
The Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System proudly recognizes Keith Antoine as October’s Ambassador of Excellence for his compassion, dedication and unwavering commitment to the Veterans he serves.