Reflections of service
Parkland honors employees who served on Veterans Day
Honor, duty and sacrifice are just some of the many reasons behind a person’s desire to serve the country. Although personal, all are noble. This Veterans Day, Parkland Health honors the members of its workforce who answered the call to serve, while reflecting on how that same sense of duty is mirrored in their civilian roles, working to heal their neighbors and promote well-being in the community.
For Charity Onyegbule, director of practice operations in Parkland’s Community Oriented Primary Care (COPC) Administration, the decision to join the U.S. Army was deeply personal. She was inspired by her family’s service, including her father, who was injured in combat and ultimately died as a result. With experience as a healthcare administrator, she joined as an enlisted combat medic.
“Every time I put that uniform on, I feel his presence,” Onyegbule said. “It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life, but also one of the most rewarding. I credit the military for helping me become a disciplined leader and giving me some of the tools I needed to be successful.”
Eric Bird, IT support manager for Parkland’s Community Health Plan, credits his time in the U.S. Air Force as foundational to his commitment to always doing the right thing, as well as helping him grow into an effective leader.
“My time in the service fostered a deep sense of responsibility, ensuring that I consistently prioritize IT security, compliance and ethical decision-making,” he said.
Growing up, Katrina Battle, MSN, RN, was always drawn to the idea of working in healthcare, but the Air Force opened the doors that led to her career in nursing. Today, she serves as a nurse manager for Parkland’s Family Medicine Clinic, Center for Geriatric Care and Healthy Aging, and Senior House Calls Program.
When she joined the Air Force in 1990, she was a public health technician. During her time on active duty, she completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and was commissioned as a lieutenant in the USAF Nurse Corps.
“The Air Force was very instrumental in inspiring me to do that, because I would have never believed I could do that had I not joined,” Battle said. Her passion for patient care motivated her to continue working in healthcare after retiring from the Air Force.
“I love patient care, I love what we do for the patients here at Parkland,” Battle said. “If we weren’t here to serve the patients who need us, where would they go?”
As Veterans Day approaches, the men and women who served in the military reflect not only on their experiences in uniform but also on the values that continue to guide them in their civilian lives. For these Parkland employees, the sense of duty, honor and commitment they embraced during their military service is reflected in their work every day. Whether it’s providing compassionate care to patients or ensuring the health system continues to operate as a model institution, their dedication to service extends beyond the battlefield and into the heart of Parkland’s mission.
“Veterans Day just reaffirms my ‘why’ and gives me another boost to continue to serve,” Onyegbule said.
“It personally holds special significance for me,” Bird said. “It’s a time to reflect on the sacrifices and commitments made and the camaraderie you share with those you served with.”
“This day and the acknowledgment of our service connects us with our community, which is who we serve. It actually does feel good, believe it or not, to hear ‘thank you for your service,’” Battle said.
The Military and Veterans at Parkland (MVP) Employee Resource Group (ERG) aims to recognize and promote the health and well-being of individuals within our community that have served in the Armed Forces and/or supported those that have served in the Armed Forces. ERG membership is voluntary and open to all active employees at Parkland in good standing.
For more information on the services provided at Parkland, please visit our website at www.parklandhealth.org.
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