TMH Celebrates Our Veterans
November 10, 2022
By: Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare
Categories: Healthy Living
We are honored that so many veterans choose to work at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH). Thank you to all our colleagues who served in the armed forces and who continue to selflessly serve our organization and community. We appreciate you on Veterans Day and every day.
In recognition of Veterans Day, Friday, Nov. 11, TMH has created a colleague video, which will be shared on our social media channels and collected the following photos and information to highlight the important roles veterans have in our organization.
Sasha Barker, Emergency Services Medic, Emergency Center Northeast
Branch: Air Force
Time of service: 22 years (October 1999 - October 2021)
What did you learn during your service that prepared you for your career at TMH?
The things I’ve learned in the military that I have carried over into the civilian healthcare field are adaptability, persistence, flexibility, getting the job done no matter the challenge, working under austere or harsh conditions and teamwork.
Rich Mandella, IT Consultant & Support Technician, IT Services
Branch: USAF, 290th JCSE, MacDill AFB (but it was a Joint Forces Unit serving under SOCOM) CATAM (Weapons Specialist) then transferred to the Services Squadron, then in 2001 I Transferred to the Vehicle Maintenance Squadron
Time of service: 13.5 Years (March 3, 1997 – December 16, 2010)
I was also in the Civil Air Patrol and served as the West Coast Cadet Squadrons Cadet Commander from 12 years old until I was 18.
What did you learn during your service that prepared you for your career at TMH?
Lots of things actually. Technical writing, social interactions and chain of command, leadership/management, integrity first, patience (hurry up and wait), service before self, respect (both rank and position), the importance of being precise yet efficient, self-confidence and never doubting yourself when you make a decision. In general, I learned life and how to live it. I also learned the importance of using ma’am and sir, which most will find funny if they know me.
I would say the most important thing I learned was to always do your best, no matter what you are doing – from say cleaning the chamber of an M-16 to being Guidon during a Generals Change of Command Ceremony. Complete each day knowing that no matter what happened you know inside that you did the best you could, that the reflection in the mirror at the end of each day is always who you aimed to be that day with no regrets or doubt of character.
Mark Lauder, Painter, Plant Engineering
Branch: U.S. Army
Time of Service: 1978-1982
What did you learn during your service that prepared you for your career at TMH?
The service taught me how to deal with everyday situations that can change in an instant. Being adaptable at work, not giving up and maintaining a good work ethic.
Chad Moore, Executive Director of Clinical Practice
Branch: Air Force
Time of service: 2008 – 2015
What did you learn during your service that prepared you for your career at TMH?
The first is to “be prepared,” and it should be everyone's motto.
Improve everything. We touch countless lives, homes, businesses and communities and your commitment should be to improve them all. If you don't like something, improve it. Get involved. We are always looking for new ideals and people motivated to work. Don’t be the person who complains but never does anything to fix what’s wrong.
But most of all, remember to do your best with everything your do and live by Integrity First, Service before Self and Excellence in all We Do.
Norman Pasley, Service Line Administrator of Rehabilitation Center
Branch: Army
Time of service: 7 years
What did you learn during your service that prepared you for your career at TMH?
I was trained as a Combat Medical Specialist and License Practical Nurse. My last duty station was Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC. I continue to use my leadership training and clinical skills in all aspects of my current job. Especially with system improvements, clear communication and professionalism.
Heather Dahmer, RN, Director of Children’s Services
Branch: Air Force
Time of Service: 20 years, 1 month and 1 day
What did you learn during your service that prepared you for your career at TMH?
I learned to adapt and overcome. I was given a lot more opportunities as an Air Force nurse than as civilian nurse. I was given leadership opportunities, including the ability to go to graduate school to get my master’s to become a nurse practitioner.
I’ve always been outgoing, but the military forces you to put yourself out there to meet new people and make connections. I can talk to a wall and have a good time.
Jerome Greenwood, Trayline, Dietary Services
Branch: Army Reserve
Time of Service: 2 years
What did you learn during your service that prepared you for your career at TMH?
I learned accountability, respect, love and hard work.
Bill Dixon, MD, Cardiologist, Southern Medical Group
Branch: Army
Dates: 15 years active duty
What did you learn during your service that prepared you for your career at TMH? I was already practicing medicine in the military. I was deployed to Iraq for a year. I learned that the practice of medicine is universal. You can take your training and apply it anywhere in the world to help patients, regardless of their circumstances.
Kenneth Speights, Social Service Manager, Behavioral Health Center
Branch: Army
Dates: Army Delayed Entry Program from 1992 - 1993, Enlisted 1993 - 1994 Honorable Discharge
What did you learn during your service that prepared you for your career at TMH? Adaptability and teamwork are two things I learned that stick out the most within my short time served in the Army. Resourcefulness, flexibility and persistence while exhibiting superior decision-making skills are other skills that I learned, and I continue to carry those skills with me daily. Proper dress, discipline and working together to accomplish a variety of tasks are also important skills I learned.
Harold Sandow, RN, Case Management
Branch of Service: Army
Years of Service: 4 years active duty
What did you learn during your service that prepared you for your career at TMH?
In the Army I learned how to improvise, adapt and overcome!
Anthony W. McClendon, HR/Compensation Analyst, Compensation and Benefits
Branch of Service: Air Force
Years of Service: 25 years
What did you learn during your service that prepared you for your career at TMH?
I learned the importance of attention to detail.
Bridget Michael, Neuroendovascular Technologist, Surgery
Ruffian Tyner, Improvement Advisor, Organizational Improvement
Pictured here during deployment to Zagreb, Croatia Dec. 1995 – May 1996
William Smith, Assistant Director of Central Business Office
Branch of Service: Army
Years of Service: 20 years
What did you learn during your service that prepared you for your career at TMH?
What I learned was about respect, different leadership styles, accountability, responsibility and owning what I did being a leader and also what your subordinates did.
