On Nov. 11, hospital patients who identified as veterans or military spouses were honored on Veterans Day at UC Davis Medical Center.
The CARE Project sponsored the event.
About the event
Each year, in celebration of Veterans Day, volunteers visit patients who identify as veterans to express gratitude and offer yellow ribbons in recognition of their service.
One of the highlights of this celebration is engaging with veterans at the bedside and exchanging stories.
Katie Lorain, creative arts and recreation therapy manager, wanted to make the event memorable this year, so she emailed the Veterans Employee Association (VEA) employee resource group (ERG) members. In her email, she explained the event's purpose, asking if any VEA ERG members would be interested in volunteering their time. Several members enthusiastically agreed.
Lorain mentioned that Veterans Day is one of her favorite events to celebrate with patients and volunteers.
“On Veterans Day, we honor our veteran patients' personal histories, identities, and community ties,” Lorain said. “With the help of our dedicated UC Davis Health employee veterans, we created opportunities for meaningful connections, shared stories and experiences, fostered support and empathy, and expressed our respect and gratitude for their service and sacrifices.”
Charlestine Ferris, an Army wife, commented on how much she appreciated the conversation.
“It was so nice to have veterans come and visit with me. They all had so many stories to share. It was very special,” she said.
Ferris received a yellow ribbon and an appreciation of service certificate.
Photo of yellow ribbon and Veterans Day certificate
Javier Velasco, a licensed vocational nurse care navigator and member of the VEA ERG, recalled the meaningful experience.
“Many of us were there for three hours interacting with different veterans. It was rewarding to hear their stories,” said Velasco. “It was cool to see the patients light up when we came in the room and found out why we were there. There’s a sense of camaraderie, veteran to veteran.”
Velasco retired from the Army last year.
Allies of the ERG, such as Kimberly McLennan, Workplace Violence Prevention trainer, also volunteered their time that day.
The experience humbled McLennan.
She said, “The first thing I noticed about the veterans was their infectious smiles, and I could feel the deep sense of brother and sisterhood they share, no matter the branch or rank. As the only civilian besides the event organizer, I walked away from that event with great appreciation for those who served our country. I felt like I was standing in a room among giants.”
Both patients and volunteers felt fulfilled by the experience.
To express their gratitude, the VEA ERG presented Lorain and all the staff who volunteered that day with a Challenge Coin—a symbol of going above and beyond for veterans.
Learn more about all of ourUC Davis Health Employee Resource Groups. They are open to anyone, regardless of background, who wishes to support, participate or be educated in the cultures and communities that are UC Davis Health.
