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In This Issue:
From left, Miguel Pachebat, Michael J. Savoy, Bob Donaghue, Betsy Nabel, Thomas Chafe, David Buffalo, Richard Wong, Shayne Houlihan and Andrew Sants.
BWH paid tribute to veterans at BWH and throughout the world last week with a ceremony in the Peter Bent Brigham lobby, which culminated in the slicing of what Bob Donaghue called “one of the nicest cakes you’ll get anywhere.”
BWH President Betsy Nabel, MD, who cut the first piece of cake with a sword issued to Donaghue when he joined the U.S. Marine Corps, reflected on the meaning of Veterans Day and its significance at BWH.
“I am honored to be here as we pause to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good,” she said. “Each year, Bob and a group of BWH veterans plan this important event to ensure that the Brigham community has the opportunity to express their gratitude for those who have fought for our freedom.”
Donaghue, the operations manager for Security and Parking, is one of the BWH veterans who has been organizing this special ceremony at BWH for more than 10 years. A colonel who served in the Marines for 32 years, Donaghue strives to offer a meaningful ceremony for the hundreds of BWH veterans and their colleagues who attend.
“I thought it was great,” said Spc. Samantha Rawlings, an emergency preparedness coordinator for BWH and DFCI, who served five and a half years with the Military Police in the Army, including an 18-month tour of duty in Iraq. “I feel like I need to go to a ceremony to commemorate this day each year, and it was nice to have it right here at the Brigham.”
In addition to enjoying a giant cake courtesy of BWH Catering, staff were also treated to a special guest appearance by “Carrie Hall.” The NICU’s Kathleen Murphy, NP, donned a white nurse’s cap as she played the role of the legendary figure in BWH’s history, discussing her role during World War I.
“The history of this hospital is linked inextricably to Carrie Hall,” Donaghue said. “There are many veterans who weren’t in any specific branch of the service, including nurses like Hall, who cared for countless wounded soldiers.”
Security’s Larry Nialetz is compiling a list of all BWH employees who have served in the military. E-mail lnialetz@partners.org with your name, rank and years of service to have your name added to the list.
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