In recognition of Veteran’s Day, Community Medical Center, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, recently hosted two events to honor Americans who have served our country. Community Medical Center thanked both community members and hospital employees for their service.
More than 30 Ocean County veterans attended a luncheon in their honor on November 8. Veterans representing multiple branches of the armed forces, dating back to WWII, shared stories with other veterans, hospital staff, and volunteers. During the luncheon, they listened to presentations from Commander Michael Schaffer, State Chaplain, American Legion, Department of NJ, and Commander, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 129, and John Mirabella, Senior Vice Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Chapter 701.
As a token of appreciation of their service, Community Medical Center presented each veteran at the event with a red, white and blue blanket hand-knitted by a Community Medical Center volunteer.
“I was extremely proud to welcome all of these veterans to Community Medical Center and to thank them for their incredible service. It is our privilege to be of service to them after all they have done for us,” said Michael Mimoso, MHSA, FACHE, President & CEO. “I was grateful to take part in this great celebration; they really are the backbone of our community.”
The luncheon was an extension of the hospital’s year-round Veteran Recognition Program. The program at Community Medical Center began as a hospice-only program in April 2016 and has grown to encompass inpatients throughout the hospital. Veterans admitted to the hospital and identified by hospital staff receive a patriotic blanket, a certificate, and a star from a retired U.S. flag with a message that they are not forgotten.
Event guest Bill Savage, Toms River, WWII Veteran who served in the 75th Infantry Division, praised the program, saying “To be recognized for my years of service, more than 70 years ago, truly demonstrates that Community Medical Center values the contributions of veterans and is grateful for our service. I was honored to be here to share this day with so many other great people who love their country. It was wonderful.”
Earlier in the day, a separate event was held to thank veterans employed at Community Medical Center. Employees who are veterans were invited to a breakfast to thank them for their service and sacrifice.
Nearly half a million veterans reside in New Jersey, but Ocean County is home to the state’s largest population of veterans and seniors overall. According to the US Census Bureau, the town of Toms River has the largest population of veterans in the state.
For anyone interested in volunteer opportunities at Community Medical Center, such as participating in the Veteran Recognition Program, contact the Volunteer Services Department at 732.557.8000 ext. 11256.
Michael Mimoso, MHSA, FACHE, President & CEO, Community Medical Center (second row, second on right) joined over 30 veterans to thank them for their service to our country at a luncheon held in their honor.