When Vince was a newly hired LPN, we were working with a geriatric patient whom we discovered was a Marine. Vince, also a Marine, began talking to the patient about the Corps. As I watched, the patient's mood improved almost instantly, and he seemed much livelier.

The following day, Vince did something that truly impressed me. Instead of sleeping after his shift, Vince went to the local military base and bought a patch from the patient’s former unit, a Marine hat, and a tie clip featuring the Marine Corps insignia. The patient was so deeply touched that he cried.

I’ve seen Vince buy food, snacks, and drinks for patients on multiple occasions, but I’ve never seen anyone—especially a new LPN in orientation—skip a day’s sleep and go out-of-pocket to do something kind for a patient. This act demonstrates Vince’s character, class, empathy, and service ethic to which we should all aspire.

I proudly nominate Vincent Metzler, LPN, for the DAISY Award. I can think of no one more deserving.