VA Salt Lake City Honors Employees with Spirit of George E. Wahlen Award
Winners of the Spirit of George E. Wahlen Awards are living up to the standards set by the medical center's namesake.
The award is presented annually to employees of the VA Salt Lake City Health Care System who embody the kind of service to our nation's Veterans Wahlen demonstrated throughout his life.
This year’s honorees, Shawn Vincent and Deeanna Entzel, were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the care and well-being of Veterans. Both awardees delivered speeches, sharing their gratitude for the recognition and emphasizing their commitment to serving Veterans with the same humility and dedication that Wahlen exemplified.
“I just come to work trying to do the right thing every day,” Vincent said before signing off with a catchphrase known to everyone who works with him. “Every day, I try my hardest to be happy to be here and always be a pleasure to serve.
As Vincent expressed his pride in serving, Entzel emphasized how crucial the support of her family and coworkers has been for her success.
“I want to say thank you to my parents and the nurses and the techs who make it possible to do the work that I do.” Entzel said as she accepted the award. “Without them supporting me, there is no way I could be here today.”
The ceremony also included a moving speech by George Wahlen’s granddaughter, McCall Griffin, who spoke about her grandfather’s legacy and the importance of carrying on his values through the work of the VA.
“You are here today because, everyday, you go above and beyond your call of duty,” she said, reflecting on Wahlen’s Medal of Honor citation and how it applied to all of the nominees. “You’re each living after the example that George Wahlen set.”
Each nominee for the Spirit of George E. Wahlen Award was recognized during the event, receiving a certificate, a station coin, and the opportunity to take a commemorative photo with Wahlen’s children. Nominations for the award are open to all employees within the VA Salt Lake City Health Care System and are submitted anonymously, ensuring that any staff member who embodies Wahlen’s values can be recognized.
The Spirit of George E. Wahlen Award was created to celebrate the life and legacy of Wahlen, who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions in World War II. During the Battle of Iwo Jima, Wahlen refused to leave the battlefield and continued providing aid to his fellow soldiers, an act of courage and selflessness that earned him the nation’s highest military honor.
The annual award ceremony serves as a reminder of the lasting impact of Wahlen’s legacy, honoring those who, like him, put service to others at the forefront of their lives. This year’s winners, along with the entire cohort of nominees, reflect the spirit of humility, excellence, and dedication that George E. Wahlen stood for, and their work ensures that his legacy will live on through the care provided to Veterans at the VA Salt Lake City Health Care System.