Dedication of veterans at UCI Health is celebrated with a flag-raising ceremony

Veterans recognized for legacy of commitment to the nation and community

The event recognized the dual service of over 30 UCI Health
colleagues who have served in the military, now continuing their
legacy of commitment in the field of healthcare.

Orange, Calif. — On the morning of Nov. 9, under the bright skies of Orange, the UCI Health Veterans Day observance commenced with a poignant flag raising and presentation of colors.

Orchestrated by Brian Strong, RN, a U.S. Army veteran and the cardiac telemetry unit nurse manager at UCI Health, the event paid homage to the dedicated veterans among its workforce.

The event recognized the dual service of more than 30 UCI Health colleagues who have served in the military, now continuing their legacy of commitment in the field of healthcare. Their stories of dedication, which bridged the gap between military service and medical service, were at the forefront of the honors.

The ceremony was marked by the leadership narrative of Strong, whose path from military service to medical leadership was inspired by his early experiences caring for his diabetic brother. In organizing this ceremony for the third consecutive year, Strong has exemplified the transition from military duty to a passion for patient care.

“I want to thank everyone for coming today to join us here to recognize not only the UCI Health veterans but the veterans across the country, said Strong.

“Especially those who put themselves in harm’s way to defending the American freedoms and democracy we all love.”

As a special tribute, each veteran received a commemorative pin following the ceremony, symbolizing their unique contributions to the nation and now to the health of their community.

The ceremony not only signifies the respect UCI Health has for veteran service but also its pledge to excellence in patient care. UCI Health is grateful to these individuals for their military service and their current contributions to health.

About UCI Health

UCI Health is the clinical enterprise of the University of California, Irvine, and the only academic health system in Orange County. Patients can access UCI Health at primary and specialty care offices across Orange County and at its main campus, UCI Medical Center in Orange, Calif. The 459-bed, acute care hospital, listed among America’s Best Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report for 23 consecutive years, provides tertiary and quaternary care, ambulatory and specialty medical clinics, behavioral health and rehabilitation services. UCI Medical Center is home to Orange County’s only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center, high-risk perinatal/neonatal program and American College of Surgeons-verified Level I adult and Level II pediatric trauma center and regional burn center. UCI Health serves a region of nearly 4 million people in Orange County, western Riverside County and southeast Los Angeles County. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.