“Thank You for Serving Me with Dignity and Respect!”
Recognition and appreciation come hard at times, usually requiring one’s nose to run while kicking dirt. With inspiring and uplifting results, certainly, the merits are greater than the credits. —J S Spence.
Editor’s note: submitted by U.S. Army Veteran Joseph Spence. The opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the Veterans Health Administration.
While serving in the Army, I traveled the world and have been to places others only see in magazines or dream about. I have been greatly celebrated by commanders instead of just meagerly tolerated by others and will proudly tell anyone about it anytime. I retired with 26 years of exceptional and honorable service. My last assignment was as a U.S. Army assistant professor of military science at a prestigious midwestern higher educational institution, Marquette University.
Having served as a paratrooper in various airborne units, I have sustained injuries with the rapid deployment force, jumping from a perfectly good airplane while in flight in the middle of the night to continue the fight for America’s resolve. I have been to various hospitals for injuries. Some of them even presumed they are the best. I have read disturbing news about some which send cold chills down my spine, including civilian hospitals.
Beyond the shadow of a doubt, I have the greatest doctors, therapists and specialists at the hospital at which I am currently being treated. My previous doctor in the Red Clinic, Dr. Nelson, and nurse, Tracy, are distinguished! He talks like magic and types like lightning. He never missed a beat in my treatment and knows about my health—an awesome medical practitioner! Additionally, Dr. Bhatia, my current Red Clinic doctor, is just exceptional.
My hygienist for the past decade, Ali, in the Dental Clinic, is superb! We have great conversations while she cleans my teeth. “You’re my best patient!” she says. My dental doctors are phenomenal! I also had one who came and got me from the waiting room. I thought she was the assistant until I was in the chair and realized she is the doctor.
The nurses and doctors in the Emergency Room are phenomenal! My favorite is Dr. Kenny. Every time I see her, Kenny Rogers crossed my mind. How can I ever forget her and such professionalism? I even wrote several Daisy Award recommendations for the nurses there for their exceptional service, including Jennifer Elias and Rebekah Picard, RNs. When I fell and broke my neck, they were right there for me, being the “Best They Could Be!” I am so thankful for them and their reassurances that all will be well.
The Eye Clinic staff members are terrific! They were there when I fell, hit my head and lost sight. They never missed a beat, went to work, coordinating, testing and operating in teams, and had me seeing again with improvements.
Great applause to my doctor, Calata, from the surgical department for his expertise and reassurance.
Dr. Lorber is one of the greatest doctors I have ever met. He has been treating me for over a decade and has taught me how not to let anyone occupy space in my head. Before that, my head was cluttered with people’s junk. I recommended him for the Bethany Award.
The therapists in the Physical Therapy Department are golden! Bob, my Ranger buddy from the 82nd Airborne Division, and others, including Tammy, worked with me after my rotator cuff surgery. They had my arm moving again splendidly. Jennifer, my tai chi instructor and great physical therapist, has worked miracles on my back, neck and knees. There are others I could mention; however, these top seven are truly the best.
Finally, my thanks to Courtney Zeller, recreation therapy department, for her diligence in correspondence, which led me to be a winner for three consecutive years in the Milwaukee Veterans Creative Arts Competition.
So, you ask, “Which hospital is this?” Well, guess what? —It’s the Clement J. Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The best hospital I have ever been to for medical care. The staff members are stellar performers, down-to-earth, personable, and sincere professionals!
Giving credit where it’s due, I raise my 82nd Airborne Infantry “Devils in Baggy Pants” Division Cap to each of them for their exceptional service to our warfighters and support troops’ Veterans who have upheld America’s resolve and interests with dedicated courage and heroism, from the “Land of The Free and Home created by the Brave!"
Clement J. Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Center, I say to you, “Thank you for serving us with dignity and respect! — “Hoouuaggh!!!”
Joseph S. Spence Sr.
Retired U. S. Army Commander and Veteran
Life Member Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, American Legion, etc.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin