Ascension Health Heroes

SPC Shannon serving in Iraq

Bob enjoying retirement
US Navy Torpedo-man

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Who are heroes? According to the dictionary, it is a person admired for achievements or noble qualities.

Every person has one that impacts their life in some way. Some are obvious and require no thought. Other heroes act in the shadows, unseen to most, following commands with the intent of providing safety and protection to us all. They are our friends, our guardians, we may never meet.

Ascension Health has two heroes that acted on our behalf. Support Staff, SPC Shannon who was recently promoted to House Manager of Ascension 1 and US Navy Torpedo-man Bob, resident at one of our homes. In light of Veteran’s Day this week, we honor and thank both Shannon and Bob for their service and reflect on their experience and memories.

Shannon joined the Army Reserve in 1990 at the age of 20. She was assigned to the 791st Transportation Battalion for 3 years as a Battalion Clerk. She transferred to the National Guard in 1993 serving under many units until she returned to school to become a Combat Medic. In 2005 she served during Operation Iraqi Freedom III in Balad Iraq. When asked what she remembers the most from her many years of active duty, her response, “I was with a great group of soldiers over 15 years. We provided many supports to each other that I will never forget. The HHD 507th EN BN will always be my favorite unit and family!” She retired in May 2012 but will always remember her time in service as a great opportunity.

Bob, one of our residents, is from Grand Rapids, MI. He enlisted in the US Navy in 1969 at the age of 18 years old. The times were tumultuous since it was during the Vietnam Era. Bob spent his basic training time at Camp Berry in Great Lakes, IL with hopes of being a medic. His aptitude testing revealed a different strength. The ability to understand mechanics. He continued his training in weapon school in Orlando, FL and was transferred to the Flagship USS Sierra AD18 as a Torpedo-man. When asked about his favorite time in the Navy, he reflected and said, “My favorite time was when I was a driver for the Weapons Department. I handled the boat ropes and even assisted with the move of weapons. My time in the US Navy was great, especially since no harm was done to anyone.”

Ascension Health salutes both of you as well as all other Veterans! Thank you all for your service and for being our heroes!

 

 

 

 

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