[October 18, 2018] RVUCOM-SU hosted its 2nd Annual Military Appreciation Ceremony on October 12th at the Southern Utah Veterans Home (SUVH).
David J. Park, DO, FAAFP, FACOFP, Vice President and Dean for the Southern Utah Campus, and Natalie Pratt, OMS II, began the ceremony by introducing the school and welcoming guests, including veterans and future military physicians. RVU military students then conducted the Posting of Colors, a traditional flag ceremony which was presented by Brandon Trujillo, OMS II, Zachary Cetraro, OMS II, Kristen Zachariah, OMS I, and Benjamin Memmott, OMS II. Clinton E. Adams, DO, FACHE, President and CEO of RVU and retired Rear admiral, spoke about the core values of military service and honored those who serve to protect their country and heal fellow soldiers.
The Missing Man/POW Remembrance Ceremony was led by Danny Greathouse, Army Specialist and President of the Vietnam Veterans of America Southern Utah Chapter 961; Martha Bigbie, Air Force Sergeant and Commander of American Legion Post 90; and Chaplain Don Francis, Navy Commander and SUVH’s Chaplain. RVUCOM military students Austin Gottschalk, OMS II, Jake Van Weezep, OMS II, and SD Memmott approached a candlelit table which had been set with four place settings representing four branches of the military: Marines, Army, Air Force, and Navy. As the students placed their hats upon the empty plates, guests learned of the significance of the items on the table: a slice of lemon which symbolizes the missing soldier’s bitter fate, a pinch of salt which represents the tears shed by family and loved ones, and an inverted glass set as a reminder of their inability to share in the toast.
The keynote address was delivered by Ginamarie Foglia, DO, MPH, FACP, Professor of Primary Care Medicine at RVUCOM-SU. In addition, Dr. Foglia leads RVUCOM-SU’s Military Medicine Track, providing an overview and introduction to military medicine for students who are slated to enter the Uniformed Services.
Tony Moore, SUVH State Officer, accepted the Military Medallion on behalf of SUVH for its exemplary service to veterans, including ranking number one for the lowest re-hospitalization among over 15,000 nursing homes across the country. “We are thrilled to receive this award from Rocky Vista University,” said Mr. Moore. “Our relationship benefits our veteran residents, your medical students, both of our staffs, and the community as a whole.” During the Presentation of Coins, RVUCOM-SU honored veterans residing at and employees of SUVH, community members in attendance, and RVU employees who served in a medical capacity during their military service. The ceremony concluded with refreshments and a reception.
