I CARE Award Nominee | Latonya Polk
By Camille Weston, Public Affairs Officer
At the Jackson VA Medical Center, caring for Veterans doesn’t end when the appointment does. On August 5, 2025, Latonya Polk exemplified the I-CARE values of Integrity, Commitment, and Respect through an act of compassion that left a lasting impression.
A Veteran who had scheduled an appointment with Latonya fell ill in the parking lot and was taken to the Emergency Department, unable to attend the visit. Later that day, Latonya went out of her way to personally check on the Veteran in the ER. That evening, she followed up with a phone call and, not stopping there, called again two days later after the Veteran returned home to ensure they were recovering.
Her actions reflected more than just dedication to her role—they demonstrated genuine care and concern for the well-being of the Veteran. By taking extra steps to follow up beyond her official duties, Latonya embodied the true spirit of service and the values that define VA care.