AnMed’s VetNet is a Commitment to Our Nation’s Heroes
With more than 100 active reservists and veterans of the U.S. armed services on the team at AnMed, the health system takes special interest and pride in celebrating and supporting veterans.
AnMed has been honored by the South Carolina Department of Veterans Affairs for its services to military teammates and families, and local events throughout the year express appreciation, admiration and commitment.
During a Memorial Day ceremony at the flagpole in front of AnMed Medical Center, teammates and community members gathered to hear remarks from Greg Nix, an Army veteran of 20 years and a physician assistant at AnMed Young Adult Primary Care. Nix chairs AnMed’s VetNET teammate resource group, which leads engagement with and for veterans at AnMed.
VetNET strengthens relationships between AnMed and its military teammates. It invites collaboration and shows compassion. It also strives to recruit more veterans as employees.
The health system treasures the values instilled in military service. The message to veterans is simple:
“We value you,” Nix said. “We value your input.”
VetNET holds quarterly meetings at the Medical Center that are livestreamed for those unable to attend in person. AnMed teammates who are veterans, active reservists and their family members are encouraged to get involved by contacting the Diversity Office at 864-512-2361 or by emailing VetNetMailbox@anmed.org.
“We want to be inclusive, and the main thing is to make our teammates aware of our veterans’ special population, their special skills and how to best utilize them and support them,” Nix said.
Events commemorating Flag Day and the Fourth of July are also part of AnMed’s outreach to veterans. Flags sales are a fundraiser to provide contributions to an organization serving veterans.
A Final Salute program that involves VetNET and AnMed’s Spiritual Care department produces a statement that’s broadcast to acknowledge the passing of a veteran as a flag and card are presented by a chaplain to the veteran’s family.
Veterans Day brings more special observances every November. AnMed teammates are honored for their military service with hand-sewn Quilts of Valor as veterans from throughout the community are invited to take part.
“It’s an honor and privilege to support our military teammates,” said Juana Slade, AnMed’s chief diversity officer and director of language services. “We benefit every day from what they’ve done for our nation, and we benefit from what they do for AnMed. A successful health system shares many similarities with military life and service: the commitment to excellence, service above self, innovation, integrity and collaboration. VetNET provides an opportunity to benefit from these qualities and to simply say, ‘Thank you for your service.’”