Lessons Learned: A Veterans Journey of Life-Long Service
November 7, 2021
By: Jeff Brown
Categories: Colleague Stories
Every year, America observes Veterans Day on Nov. 11 to give thanks to all those who have served our nation in America’s Armed Forces.
Lessons Learned: A Veterans Journey of Life-Long Service
Every year, America observes Veterans Day on Nov. 11. It’s a day when St. Mary’s, Trinity Health and our entire country give thanks to all those who have served our nation in America’s Armed Forces – sometimes at great personal cost. For this year’s observance, we are sharing a series of blogs by Jeff Brown, Vice President of Support Services and director of our Military and Veterans Health Program, about how he came to serve in the U.S. Navy and what his service has meant in his life.
Every once in a while, I get asked the question: “Why did you join the Navy?” I wish I had a poetic answer to the question, but I don’t. To be honest, the answer is quite short: I joined the Navy to escape my surroundings. That’s it, nothing more. That’s the end of the story, roll the credits…. Or so I thought.
One thing for certain about life – it has a funny way of revealing its reasons for taking you down certain paths, sometimes many years later. In terms of me serving in the military, what started out as a self-centered decision to escape the feeling of entrapment in a small town ended up being a pivotal decision that is still having an impact on me 34 years later.
During this week of Veterans Day 2021, I want to share part of that story, the impact it had on me then, and the impact it still has on me today.
I have met so many St. Mary’s colleagues over the years, many of whom are up-and-coming leaders in our ministry. Each day I am inspired by the talent within our walls. I am hopeful that the lessons I have learned can stir an emotion and inspire the next wave of servant leaders in our ministry. After all, that’s what we all do in healthcare: we serve and we lead.
I hope that you decide to join me on this week-long journey. My thoughts can be found right here on the St. Mary’s Blog page in a series of short reads focusing on the need for united teams, the power of friendships, the necessity of strong leadership, and more.
Until then, all the best.
Jeff
