Lehigh Valley Health Network Helps Honor Veterans in Local Veterans Day Ceremony

Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN), Valley Health Partners (VHP) and the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce honored veterans throughout the community in a ceremony at Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH)–Hecktown Oaks. During the event, nearly 50 veterans were recognized for their military service.

Speakers included Brian A. Nester, DO, MBA, LVHN President and Chief Executive Officer, Lou Puentes, President, LVH–Hecktown Oaks, Tony Iannelli, President and CEO, Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, and Veronica Gonzalez, CEO, VHP. The Easton Area High School marching band also performed.

Gratitude was the theme of the event as speakers expressed their thanks and admiration for those who served in the military. Dr. Nester also reflected on his seven years as a member of the National Guard. “While my contributions were limited, I had the chance to meet some wonderful veterans, mostly from Vietnam. They have really impacted my life and how I have thought about medicine and our country. It was a wonderful experience,” Dr. Nester says.

Dr. Nester also spoke about the difference veterans continue to make once they bring their skills back to our community and recognized the 200 veterans currently employed at LVHN. “These are doctors and nurses and other health care professionals who are doing marvelous things every single day, and we are proud to have them,” he says.

In addition to expressing gratitude, Dr. Nester also spoke of the importance of providing veterans with quality health care that is suited to their needs. He also commended Valley Health Partners for helping veterans navigate the health care system and making sure veterans receive the care they deserve.

The program concluded with a token of appreciation to all veterans in attendance. Marine Corps veteran and chairman of the Veterans & Military Council of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, Andrew Lawler, presented each veteran with a VHP challenge coin.

He explained the challenge coin is a small coin or medallion that is military in nature bearing an organization’s insignia or emblem and carried by the organization’s members. While in practice they are usually presented by commanders for a special achievement, they also can be given for membership or contribution to an organization.