Winners of the Spirit of George E. Wahlen Awards are living up to the standards set by the medical center's namesake.
By Gregory House, Public affairs specialist
The multi-purpose center in building 8 was near its maximum capacity as the VA Salt Lake City Health Care System announced the winners of the Spirit of George E. Wahlen Award for 2025.
The award is presented annually to two employees of the VA Salt Lake City Health Care System who honor Wahlen’s legacy by embodying his work ethic, care for Veterans, and service for others.
This year’s honorees, Dr. Heather Black, a psychologist in the Substance Abuse Residential Treatment Program and Keith Johnson, an in-patient physical therapist assistant, 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.
"As I reflect on this award, I feel an overwhelming sense of pride to accept it on behalf of the mental health providers that tirelessly work with dedication and compassion and often remain behind the scenes,” said Black. “I also want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the leadership panel for taking the time to honor all the nominees for their incredible work. For every nominee here today that is celebrated, that are countless others whose contributions may go unrecognized but profoundly impact hundreds of lives year after year during their VA careers.”
As Black expressed thanks for everyone who inspires her throughout the year, Johnson told the crowd what drives him.
“I love this job, and I can’t see myself anywhere else,” said Johnson, who was able to meet Wahlen before he passed away in 2009. “It is an honor and a joy to, every day, feel like you can serve and make a difference. That makes it easy to come to work.”
The other 43 nominees for the Spirit of George E. Wahlen Award were recognized during the event, receiving a certificate, a station coin, and the opportunity to take a commemorative photo with members of the Wahlen family. 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 and nominees reflect the same 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.