On Veteran's Day, there was an elderly patient in our Surgical ICU who was losing his battle for life and his family made the decision to withdraw life support. The patient, who was a Veteran, and his family requested if any active member of the military was available and could give the patient a final salute before withdrawing life support, they would greatly appreciate it. Jamie Hendrickson, RN in SICU, brainstormed, made some calls and found out that Carl was working on 5N. Without hesitation, Carl, already wearing camouflaged scrubs, came to the SICU and honored this patient and his family's request. Carl said a few words and gave the patient a final salute. The family shared with Carl the patient's honorable discharge papers from military duty. Shortly after support was withdrawn, the patient passed away peacefully.

This was a stellar act in providing recognition, respect, and dignity to those who have served our country as well as demonstrating through this striking example the MHC core values.