From the Desk of Dr. Nocks

Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to meet another hero, Dana Bowman, a retired U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class, and former Golden Knight for the U.S. Army Parachute Team. He gained notoriety in the mid-‘90s, when, just months after a routine practice jump that killed his partner and left him legless, he shocked the world by becoming the first double amputee to reenlist in the Army.

Bowman and four fellow amputees spoke at the Perry Point and Baltimore VA Medical Centers as part of the VA’s “Affirming the Commitment”campaign.

“It was a very rude awakening,”Bowman said to the group of VA medical center employees. “There’s no book on how to be an amputee. It all depends on your actions, attitude, and finding the right place to get help. For me, a large part of that was the VA family.”

Any man or woman who has served in the military can tell you about the pain of being away from loved ones…about the physical and emotional stress…about the fear of being called to possibly make the ultimate sacrifice…about the camaraderie and the pride. Military service is distinct among all vocations. It deserves our respect and gratitude.

As employees of the Veteran’s Health Administration (VHA), we are not about profits, balance sheets or shareholder returns. We are about service of the noblest type. We serve those who have lived a commitment to protect our nation. Our mission is an awesome responsibility and privilege.

Every American owes our veterans an incredible debt of gratitude. At VHA, we are fortunate to have been chosen to help America repay that debt. Now it is time for us to affirm our commitment to the veterans we so proudly serve.

Affirming the Commitment is a national initiative that will help employees to: 1) Better understand and appreciate veterans and their military service; 2) Create a culture in which we own the VHA mission; a culture based on commitment and pride in serving veterans; 3) Make VHA a more gratifying place to work by reinforcing the importance of our service.

Affirming the Commitment acknowledges your inner self and human spirit. It empowers you to take action and make each day of your life count.

Affirming the Commitment helps fulfill the promise of a grateful nation, “To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan.”
Please continue to join with me in “Affirming the Commitment”by opening your hearts to veterans.

Sincerely,
James J. Nocks, MD, MSHA
Director, VA Capitol Health Care Network