‘It’s about caring for those who served’
By Jennifer Dikes, Series Producer
VA helped Army Veteran and VA employee Theerawong “Odie” Suksutthirot get back on his feet. Now he sees his work at VA as a way to give back to fellow Veterans.
I am VA: Theerawong "Odie" Suksutthirot - Watch Odie's Story on YouTube
*Produced and directed by Bert Estrada
As the transportation and beneficiary travel supervisor at VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Suksutthirot oversees the transportation program that gets Veterans to their health care. That includes emergency ambulance services and travel reimbursements.
Serving rural Veterans
“Many of our Veterans live in rural areas without reliable transportation,” Suksutthirot says. “Not having reliable transportation makes it difficult for them to access medical care.”
Some Veterans he serves have to travel over four hours to get to his facility.
“Salt Lake City VA is a regional transplant facility offering specialized services for organ transplant patients and Veterans, including ophthalmology, cardiology and cancer treatment,” says Suksutthirot. “Transportation is essential for getting the Veterans care they need.”
The program Suksutthirot oversees connects Veterans to transportation resources. It may be a bus or even a flight for Veterans living far from the facility. It provides reliable transportation for Veterans who may not have the means or ability to drive themselves.
“We look out for each other like brothers and sisters,” Suksutthirot says. “It’s not just about doing a job—it’s about caring for those who served.”
Overcoming barriers to serve
Suksutthirot’s commitment to Veterans stems from his experiences in the Army where he learned the importance of camaraderie and service.
Born in Thailand, he came to the U.S. in 1999 after being adopted by a family member in Toledo, Ohio.
“I came here as a teenager, and the transition was tough,” Suksutthirot says. “Learning English and adjusting to a completely different culture wasn’t easy. It was a big change, but I found strength in my resilience, and that mindset carried me forward.”
After high school, Suksutthirot faced financial struggles and joined the Army to pursue his dream of earning a degree.
“The Army offered to pay for my college education, and I saw it as a way to break free from debt and build a better future,” he says.
Lessons from service
His service took him to Korea and other parts of the world. He learned the value of teamwork and leadership, which shaped his approach to serving Veterans.
Suksutthirot’s work at VA is meaningful for him because it was there for him when he left the military.
“VA saved my life,” he says. “After leaving the Army, I didn’t know much about the benefits available to me. I was struggling, I felt isolated and had a hard time finding a job after service, but through VA’s outreach program, I was introduced to resources that helped me stand on my own again.”
Giving back to Veterans
Suksutthirot’s passion for supporting Veterans stems from his gratitude for the help he received.
“In my culture, we value honor and respect, and when someone helps you selflessly, it’s like they’re looking after you,” he says. “I want to be part of that organization and give back to those who served.”
He credits the military for teaching him to adapt to workday change.
“Every day is an opportunity to learn and grow. The world is constantly changing, and we must adapt to stay ahead,” he says. “When you embrace change, you can make a real difference.”
No Veteran left behind
Part of the satisfaction Suksutthirot gets from his job is he’s making sure Veterans have access to getting the help they need, whether they live far away, are visually impaired, are elderly or are immobilized due to disease or disability. He’s making sure they make it to their health care appointments.
“My dream is the American dream,” he says. “It’s not just about freedom; it’s about what you can contribute to the country that gave you so much.”