June 2026 Honoree
George Kemcha, RN
I am honored to nominate George Kemcha for the Daisy Award. George’s compassion, professionalism, and unwavering dedication have profoundly impacted the care and outcome for one of our most challenging Veterans at the CLC.
The Veteran, who arrived with an extensive psychiatric history and significant behavioral challenges, initially struggled in our facility. He was reluctant to engage with staff or peers, remained isolated in his room, and had deep trust issues due to his medical diagnosis. He hesitated to accept care or medications, making his integration into our community a daunting task.
George was one of the first staff members able to build genuine rapport with this veteran. His patience and empathy helped the veteran feel safe and understood, eventually leading to remarkable improvements in behavior, staff engagement, and physical function. When the veteran arrived, he had no control over bowel and bladder function and required a ceiling lift for every transfer. Through consistent encouragement and support from George and the CLC team, the veteran acclimated to his environment and felt at home among those caring for him.
By discharge, the veteran’s progress was extraordinary. He could walk with a walker, use the restroom with minimal assistance, and retrieve his own snacks from the refrigerator—an enormous improvement from his initial condition. He also spent most of his days in the common area, watching television, conversing with staff and other veterans, and seemed happy in his environment. These gains not only marked impressive physical and social achievements, but also greatly enhanced the veteran’s overall quality of life.
As the veteran’s discharge approached, our team knew a change in environment posed a high risk for regression and exacerbation of mental health issues. Understanding the importance of continuity and reassurance, George volunteered to play a central role in discharge planning. He spoke with the veteran about the new facility, reassured him, and communicated directly with the staff at the receiving facility to relay medical conditions, preferences, and care details.
On his day off, George came in to personally support the veteran through his transfer. He gathered all pertinent discharge information and escorted the veteran to the receiving facility. Upon arrival, George ensured a thorough handoff to staff, helped the veteran settle into his new room, walked him around the grounds, and showed him key items whenever he asked. His compassion and attentiveness provided vital comfort and ensured a smooth transition of care.
George’s actions exemplify the VA’s I CARE values: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence. This veteran is a perfect example of George implementing each component of the I CARE values in daily practice. He consistently demonstrates integrity by standing by his word and ensuring the best care for those he serves. His commitment is evident not only in his reliability but also in his unwavering support for his patients. George’s advocacy shines in how he champions veterans' needs, ensuring their preferences and concerns are heard and integrated into their care plans. He treats every veteran with respect, providing reassurance and honest answers to all their questions. Through his compassionate actions and meticulous attention to detail, George continually sets a standard of excellence in our facility.
In addition, George has never missed a single day of work since joining our team over two and a half years ago—a testament to his reliability and exceptional dedication. He is highly respected by providers, frontline staff, and peers, consistently praised for his detailed documentation, clinical acumen, and steadfast professionalism.
George manages even the most complex cases with unparalleled attention to detail, setting a standard for others.
George Kemcha’s commitment, compassion, and excellence make him profoundly deserving of the Daisy Award. We commend his dedication and thank him for being an outstanding asset to our facility.
The Veteran, who arrived with an extensive psychiatric history and significant behavioral challenges, initially struggled in our facility. He was reluctant to engage with staff or peers, remained isolated in his room, and had deep trust issues due to his medical diagnosis. He hesitated to accept care or medications, making his integration into our community a daunting task.
George was one of the first staff members able to build genuine rapport with this veteran. His patience and empathy helped the veteran feel safe and understood, eventually leading to remarkable improvements in behavior, staff engagement, and physical function. When the veteran arrived, he had no control over bowel and bladder function and required a ceiling lift for every transfer. Through consistent encouragement and support from George and the CLC team, the veteran acclimated to his environment and felt at home among those caring for him.
By discharge, the veteran’s progress was extraordinary. He could walk with a walker, use the restroom with minimal assistance, and retrieve his own snacks from the refrigerator—an enormous improvement from his initial condition. He also spent most of his days in the common area, watching television, conversing with staff and other veterans, and seemed happy in his environment. These gains not only marked impressive physical and social achievements, but also greatly enhanced the veteran’s overall quality of life.
As the veteran’s discharge approached, our team knew a change in environment posed a high risk for regression and exacerbation of mental health issues. Understanding the importance of continuity and reassurance, George volunteered to play a central role in discharge planning. He spoke with the veteran about the new facility, reassured him, and communicated directly with the staff at the receiving facility to relay medical conditions, preferences, and care details.
On his day off, George came in to personally support the veteran through his transfer. He gathered all pertinent discharge information and escorted the veteran to the receiving facility. Upon arrival, George ensured a thorough handoff to staff, helped the veteran settle into his new room, walked him around the grounds, and showed him key items whenever he asked. His compassion and attentiveness provided vital comfort and ensured a smooth transition of care.
George’s actions exemplify the VA’s I CARE values: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence. This veteran is a perfect example of George implementing each component of the I CARE values in daily practice. He consistently demonstrates integrity by standing by his word and ensuring the best care for those he serves. His commitment is evident not only in his reliability but also in his unwavering support for his patients. George’s advocacy shines in how he champions veterans' needs, ensuring their preferences and concerns are heard and integrated into their care plans. He treats every veteran with respect, providing reassurance and honest answers to all their questions. Through his compassionate actions and meticulous attention to detail, George continually sets a standard of excellence in our facility.
In addition, George has never missed a single day of work since joining our team over two and a half years ago—a testament to his reliability and exceptional dedication. He is highly respected by providers, frontline staff, and peers, consistently praised for his detailed documentation, clinical acumen, and steadfast professionalism.
George manages even the most complex cases with unparalleled attention to detail, setting a standard for others.
George Kemcha’s commitment, compassion, and excellence make him profoundly deserving of the Daisy Award. We commend his dedication and thank him for being an outstanding asset to our facility.
Thank you, George, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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