Phoenix VA Employee Honored at 18th Annual Patriotic Awards Luncheon

Tran-Watson said, “Thank you to the Phoenix VA; I was so in shock to be recognized by the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society. I was just trying to extend my hand of help as a decent human being should and these simple gestures of connecting with Veterans have obviously made a difference in their lives. I truly believe that the start of saving lives is the nonjudgmental, respectful, and dignified connection we make with our patients.”

Tran-Watson RN, MSN-ed has served the Veteran population through the VA for 11 years. He worked as an ICU nurse and professor at Glendale Community College and Grand Canyon University. He moved to the Substance Use Disorder program at the Phoenix Domiciliary (DOM). In order to increase post-discharge engagement, Jimmy developed a process to keep Veterans connected so they don't fall between the cracks after discharge from the Phoenix, Tucson, or Prescott DOM. While many recovery programs focus only on substance use treatment, Jimmy uses his medical background to coordinate care so Veterans can receive necessary addiction and medical treatment simultaneously. Jimmy believes in giving back to those who have served our country and often goes out of his way to assist Veterans, helping them navigate the VA medical system and even going with them to their doctor's appointments when needed.

AVHOFS is dedicated to preserving the traditions of the American military and all who served in it through community engagement, and service and support of society members, Arizona Veterans and military personnel, and their families and survivors.

Starting in 2023, the AVHOFS initiated a new program to provide recognition to an outstanding VA employee at each of the three VA Medical Centers in Arizona and will annually select an employee who demonstrates the VA’s ICARE Values and outstanding support and advocacy for the Veterans they serve.