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Veterans Day, observed annually on Nov. 11, is a federal holiday for honoring military veterans who served in the United States Armed Forces. There are many veterans who work here at UVA Health and, in honor of the holiday, we asked team members to send in their photos. Below is what we received (so far).

Thank you to all veterans, here at UVA Health and across the Commonwealth, country, and world, for your service.

We'll be updating this page as more photos come in. If you'd like to be included, please email a uniformed photo to uvaconnect@virginia.edu along with the following:

• Name, title, job at UVA Health?
• In which branch did you serve? What was your rank? When did you serve? What was your job in the military?
• What does Veterans Day mean to you?
• How did your military experience impact your role in healthcare? Does it affect how you care for patients, conduct research, or train students?

Short on time? Send a photo and your name, branch of service (and dates served), and rank.

Joe O’Brien, U.S. Navy

At UVA Health, Joe O’Brien, MD, is an Associate Professor, Pediatric Anesthesiologist.

Service: U.S. Navy, 1984-2018, Captain, Pilot-Physician

“Veterans Day means a personal or public tribute to all my sisters and brothers who stepped up to willingly sacrifice all for the protection of our country, constitution, and citizens. That sacrifice should never be forgotten, and these people should be celebrated for their commitment.”

“My service experience keeps me centered and focused on what really matters in this life. We had a saying in the Naval Service … ‘keep the main thing the main thing.’ I do my best daily to follow that mantra. As an instructor, it taught me to strive for excellence in my own performance and that of my students. Nothing less.”

Mitchell DeBlois, U.S. Army

At UVA Health, Mitchell DeBlois is an administrative assistant in the Epilepsy Division of the Department of Neurology.

Service: U.S. Army, 2019-2023; exited service as an E-5/ Sergeant; was a 68W Combat Medic. Mitchel was part of the 173rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, assigned to the Headquarters and Headquarters Company of the 54th Brigade Engineering Battalion.

“Veterans Day is a holiday that gives me mixed feelings. On one hand, I am proud that our nation takes the time to recognize those who are serving and who have served in some capacity in ensuring the freedom of our nation. On the other hand, it also serves as a reminder that our rights were earned with the lives and service of millions of Americans over many years in the hope that the next generation can live a freer life than they had.”

“My service impacted my life heavily, with my role in healthcare notwithstanding. During my time in service, I was placed in the role of a Senior Medic, a role that saw me share responsibility for the medical readiness of a battalion. This position inspired me to pursue a Master's in Healthcare Administration and my current career path. Working with the epilepsy team here at UVA, I know that I am a small cog in the machine that is genuinely working to conduct research and perform patient care for the benefit of the community.”

(Photo: Mitchel DeBlois and his wife on the day she passed her boards to become promotion eligible to the position of Sergeant.)

David Callender, U.S. Army

At UVA Health, David M. Callender, MD, MPH, is Medical Director, University Medical Associates.

Service: U.S. Army, 2004-2015, Major, doctor.

To Dr. Callender, Veterans Day is “a date to pay gratitude to those who have served our country and the many sacrifices they have endured.”

“I am always thankful for the experiences and focus related to teamwork and the greater mission beyond what is directly in-front of you. These are each important key values I bring to my job at UVA Health."

From his time in the service, Dr. Callender is “able to reflect on my life experiences living and working among diverse cultures. I apply the lessons learned to my current clinical and educational focuses.”

(Photo: Dr. Callender and his daughter when he returned from a 9-month deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.)

Sarah Lazcano, U.S. Navy

At UVA Health, Sarah Lazcano, DNAP, CRNA, is a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.

Service: U.S. Navy, 1995-2000, Pilot Hospital Corpsman

“I am thankful for Veterans Day. It is a day where we feel supported and open to discuss our experiences.”

“My experience as a Hospital Corpsman shaped my practice as a CRNA today. It gives me a background in taking care of patients from every walk of life and the ability to think critically when under pressure and respond effectively and efficiently without panic in emergencies.”

Jake Key, U.S. Army

At UVA Health, Jake Key is a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).

Service: U.S. Army, 2011-2014, Airborne Infantry, Sergeant.

“I'd say the ability to react and perform under the stressors of the infantry has somewhat translated over to anesthesia. Staying relatively calm during unanticipated events and/or emergencies is an important part of this profession.”

Pranav Patel, U.S. Army

At UVA Health, Pranav Patel, MD, works in Hematology-Oncology, UVA Section of Community Oncology, Chief, Department of Medicine UVA Health Culpeper Medical Center

Service: U.S. Army, 11 years active, 4 years reserves. Army Medical Corp.

“Veteran’s day is a time to reflect on the service and sacrifice for those who have come before us. It is a time for me to give thanks for what America has done for me and my family after immigrating to the states as a child.”

“It’s always a pleasure taking care of veterans. We share a common bond and understanding of lived experiences. I feel I can connect better with patients because of my prior military service.”

Kim Washington, U.S. Army

At UVA Health, Kim Washington, CMA, works in UVA Urology.

Service: U.S. Army, E4, 2011-2014, Military Intelligence Analyst

“Being a veteran means to me that I had the opportunity to go help serve my country and make it a better place.”

“I believe serving in the military impacts my role in healthcare implanting strong discipline, leadership skills, the ability to work under pressure, and great teamwork. Military has helped me with caring with my patients because I am able to adapt to changing situations or difficult situations.”

Sarah Critzer, U.S. Air Force

At UVA Health, Sarah Critzer, RN, work at UVA Orthopedic Clinic Ivy Road.

Service: U.S. Air Force, 1989-1993, 90250 Medical Service Specialist, worked in the hospital supporting the nurses and doctors in taking care of patients.

“Veterans Day is a special day as is it brings attention to all the men and women who took the time to serve their country. They gave up time from their family and friends to go places without question, without complaint even on holidays. They do this to make sure everyone has the rights and freedoms we are so accustom to having. This day brings the attention they deserve for the sacrifices they endure. To be away from family for days, weeks, months, and even years is no simple feat. But thousands do it daily. It makes me proud to say I am a veteran and stand up with all the others who have served.”

“My military experience has trained me well in my years after service. When working in healthcare in the military, it trained me to work as a team. Teamwork is crucial as I am a firm believer in teamwork. I try to instill teamwork values when training new team members. Clinics run better when you have teams that work together, floors run better. Standards of work is a big in the military. You can go to any base and they all run the same. Having standards of work and following procedures still sticks with me and showing new team members how to properly do things is very important to have them learn at the beginning. Even after all the years of being out of service, the training never goes away. I am very proud of the training and discipline I received in the military as it has given me an edge up and helped me get where I am today.”

Kayla Arvidson, Virginia Army National Guard

At UVA Health, Kayla Arvidson is a bedside admitting rep.

Service: Virginia Army National Guard, 2012-2018, Specialist, 42A, Human Resources.

“Veterans day reminds me of all the great times and wonderful people I met in those six years. My experience in the guard allows me to feel at home with a large diverse company, and confidently approach any patient. I love asking veterans patient about their experiences during service!

Nancy Harrison, U.S. Army Reserve

At UVA Health, Nancy Harrison, MSNA is a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.

Service: U.S. Army Reserve, Captain, 1990-1999, active duty in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, 66F - Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.

“On Veterans' Day, I am a proud American who volunteered my service to my country.”

“I was able to practice to the full scope of my education and training as an Army nurse anesthetist.”

Shawn Price, U.S. Air Force

At UVA Health, Shawn Price is an acute care nurse practitioner-DNP student.

Service: Currently serving active duty in the Air Force, Major, critical care nurse.

“As an Air Force critical care nurse who has deployed multiple times, Veterans Day is a deeply personal and meaningful day. It’s a time to honor and reflect on the sacrifices and service of veterans — not just those who served in combat, but all those who have served in the military, regardless of their role or the nature of their duty.

“Veterans Day reminds me of the men and women I’ve worked alongside, the patients I’ve cared for, and the camaraderie that develops during deployments. The bonds formed in austere environments are often unbreakable in the face of hardship. Many of the people I’ve served with have experienced both the emotional and physical tolls of military service. I’ve seen firsthand their sacrifices for their country and each other.

“It’s also a day to remember the fallen — those who didn’t make it home. As a critical care nurse, I’ve been privileged to care for wounded service members, but also to help provide comfort and support to those who have lost comrades in battle. The impact of these losses is felt long after the deployments end.

“Veterans Day offers an opportunity to express gratitude for our freedoms and recognize the immense sacrifices that allow us to live in a country where we can do so. For me, it’s not just about honoring the past, but about being present for those who are still serving and those who continue to heal from the wounds of service, whether visible or invisible.

“It’s a day to reflect on the sense of duty, the shared experience, and the unspoken understanding among those who have worn and still wear the uniform. I’m proud to be part of that community and thankful for the support and respect shown to veterans, especially on a day like Veterans Day.

“My military experience has profoundly shaped my approach to healthcare, influencing everything from how I care for patients to how I mentor students and approach clinical challenges. The lessons learned during my time in military service, particularly in critical care and in deployed environments, have become an integral part of how I approach patient care, education, and research.

“In the military, you often face high-stakes, high-pressure situations where decisions must be made quickly and efficiently. The experience of working in austere conditions, sometimes without all the resources we would typically have in a civilian hospital, taught me to be resourceful, adaptive, and calm under pressure.

“This translates directly into my civilian healthcare education experience. I’ve learned to prioritize patient care, maintain focus during emergencies, and always consider the bigger picture — whether it’s the patient's mental, emotional, or physical health or the long-term impact of their condition. Many of the trauma cases I handled while deployed involved not only physical injuries but also psychological trauma, and I’ve carried those lessons about holistic care into my civilian work. For example, when working with veterans or trauma patients, I’m more attuned to their psychological and emotional needs, ensuring that they receive not just medical attention but emotional and mental health support as well.

“In the military, training is an essential part of readiness. The same mindset applies in healthcare, where continuous learning and adaptation are crucial. My experience as a critical care nurse and educator in the military shaped how I teach and mentor students. I emphasize the importance of teamwork, situational awareness, and the need to be adaptable in unpredictable circumstances. In healthcare, you often deal with unknowns, whether a sudden change in a patient's condition or a crisis scenario. My training in the military emphasized the ability to think critically, act decisively, and collaborate effectively under pressure—all principles I would instill in students and new nurses.

“Additionally, I emphasize resilience — both physical and mental. In the military, resilience is a crucial trait you develop because of the harsh environments and situations you face. I would encourage students to embrace the challenge of complex cases, develop coping strategies for the inevitable stresses of healthcare work, and always strive to maintain focus on the patient’s well-being.

“Although my military background doesn’t directly involve formal research, the data and experiences I’ve accumulated over multiple deployments have made me more attuned to the gaps in knowledge that need to be addressed, particularly in the field of trauma care, critical care, and combat-related health issues. This insight has influenced my approach to healthcare research. I’m more likely to seek research that addresses practical, real-world issues, particularly those affecting active-duty service members and veterans, such as PTSD. In a broader sense, my military background reminds me of the importance of practical application in research. It’s not just about theories or lab results — it’s about what works in real, often chaotic, environments. As such, I’ve been involved in research and quality improvement initiatives focused on enhancing trauma care, improving clinical outcomes, and understanding the long-term health effects of combat injuries, especially PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and chronic pain.

“Every patient I care for is more than just a set of symptoms; they have a story, a past, and a future that needs to be understood and supported. I carry that understanding into everything I do in healthcare, whether treating a trauma patient, educating the next generation of nurses, or contributing to research that could improve care for those who’ve served our country.”

Stephen Poff, Pennsylvania Army National Guard

At UVA Health, Stephen Poff, MBA, works as a Business Intelligence Developer, Clinical Analytics, Quality and Performance Improvement.

Service: Pennsylvania Army National Guard, E-4/Specialist, 1989-1995, 71L – Admin Specialist.

“Veterans Day to me is a celebration of those who decided to serve and defend their country. Oftentimes, you may not even know the person you work with was in the service. That’s because most veterans are humble, and mission-focused. Always looking for a way to complete the mission.”

Michelle Lardner, U.S. Navy

At UVA Health, Michelle Lardner is Chief Nursing Information Officer.

Service: U.S. Navy, LCDR, 2000-2011, Navy nurse

“Veterans Day is a respectful celebration of those who served and the sacrifices they made for our country.”

“As a Navy nurse, I had an amazing military healthcare experience and am very grateful to my leaders and mentors during this time. It was an honor to help with the healing process of those injured in the line of duty and to take care of my brothers and sisters in uniform and their families. The leadership opportunities, training and unique adventures in the military are invaluable and have helped me in all aspects of my nursing career.”

Beatrice Clifford, U.S. Army

At UVA Health, Beatrice Clifford is a surgical technician.

Service: U.S. Army, 1986-1994, Sergeant, E5, surgical scrub technician. Entered service at FT. Jackson, SC; stationed at Ft . Sam Houston for four years, and Ft. Campbell, Kentucky, for four years.

“Veterans day is a time to reflect on my experiences in the service to my country and to give thanks to all the others who have served. I am grateful for my time and training in the Army and believe it has taught me the best way to care for our patients.”

Daniel Warner, U.S. Navy

At UVA Health, Daniel Warner is a Senior Financial Analyst, Dean’s Office, School of Medicine.

Service: U.S. Navy; Fire Controlman First Class Petty Officer (E-6) from 2006-2016 as missile defense and weapons instructor. Served ten years in the U.S. Navy, with five of those years and three deployments onboard the U.S.S. Arleigh Burke in various counter-piracy, maritime security, and humanitarian missions.

“Veterans Day to me provides an intentional opportunity to reconnect with those fellow servicemembers that made it home and honor those who didn’t. My military experience impacted my current role in the outer rungs of healthcare by seeking a service-first mentality and gaining a tenacity to see the job completed.”

Keegan McCauley, U.S. Navy

At UVA Health, Keegan McCauley works in the Pharmacy Department.

Service: Lieutenant, U.S. Navy, 2012-2020. As a Surface Warfare Officer, McCauley served as the Communication Officer onboard U.S.S. Philippine Sea (CG-58), Training Officer onboard U.S.S. The Sullivans (DDG-68), and Staff Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection Officer at Naval Surface Squadron 14. McCauley did two deployments, spent a combined total of two years at sea, and visited 12 countries.

“Veterans Day is a great time for me to reflect. Think about the people I served with, revisit the places I’ve gone, and reconnect with those I’ve lost touch with.”

“In the Navy I learned the importance of a strong work ethic, sacrifice, and serving those I worked alongside. I try to bring that mindset with me to work every day.”

Danayzha “Nay” Murphy, U.S. Army

At UVA Health, Danayzha “Nay” Murphy is an RN in the NICU.

Service: U.S. Army, 2019-2022; had the honor of making it to the rank of CPT as an All Source Military Intelligence Officer.

“Veterans Day means a lot to me, since I am the third generation to serve in my family. My military experience allows me to function under high-stress situations while keeping a level and calm presence. It allows me to relate to my patient’s family since I have been all over the country while serving.”

Caroline Booth, U.S. Army

At UVA Health, Caroline Booth is a Certified Nurse-Midwife, OB-GYN-NB APP Manager.

Service: Graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point; U.S. Army Engineer Officer for ten years; five on active duty and five as a drilling reservist. Booth served in many roles, including as a platoon leader of a transportation unit responsible for resupply convoys and medical aid in Iraq, a facility manager of hundreds of buildings across three military installations in Virginia, a company commander of a Brigade headquarters unit with multiple training exercises in the Pacific Northwest, to an adjunct professor in the ROTC department at Vanderbilt. Booth left at the rank of Major to pursue her next job as a Certified Nurse-Midwife. 

“Memorial Day is our opportunity to honor the sacrifice of our servicemembers but Veterans Day is a more celebratory, meaningful time for me to celebrate the service of so many friends in my life; friends who chose a demanding career that requires so much commitment to uncertainty, physical and psychological resilience and pursuit of excellence in a challenging environment! Chances to show appreciation for anyone around us should be more commonplace and Veterans Day provides that chance to our military population. Also, the fact that we celebrate on Armistice Day provides an historical backdrop to the hope that one day we will live in a world where there is no need for military service.”

“From the military, I learned the value of commitment to a team mentality, supporting the overall mission of the organization and the need to work until the job is done excellently. I witnessed soldiers from all socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds work together as a cohesive unit, as the challenges of routinely finding yourself in possibly life-threatening situations often break down any barriers that might exist otherwise, so I hold fast to the truth that we can translate this into the healthcare realm where patients may not have the same identifiers as their providers but we can work to provide equitable care, regardless. I truly believe that genuinely caring for those around you and hard work produce respect and we can cultivate that culture among our teams at UVA Health. Supporting each other is the best way to stay healthy in stressful, overwhelming, and challenging work environments.”

Amanda Titone, U.S. Air Force

At UVA Health, Amanda Titone is a registered nurse (clinician II) on 4 East/4 North. 

Service: U.S. Air Force. She began her service in 2010 and served as an Airman First Class or E3; job code (MOS) was 4E or Public Health Technician. 

“I learned a lot while in the military, it taught me discipline, and timeliness (that being on time is late, but to be early is on time). I do sometimes miss the structured nature of the military. I love that my time in service can be used as a conversation piece with a lot of my patients who are also veterans. I do think that my service has impacted how I care for my patients, I think it has made me better aware of all different kinds of issues a person might be facing, even if we might not be able to see it simply by looking at that person.”

“For me, Veteran's Day is a reminder that our families sacrifice a lot to allow us to serve our country, it makes me continue to be grateful for those men and women who continue to serve our country, and it reminds me to stay brave and be just as dedicated to anything I set my mind to doing, because if I can do that, I can do just about anything.”

Military Wall of Honor at UVA Community Health

U.S. Army

• Agnew, Cindy | UVA Health Culpeper Medical Center
• Bangura, Christopher | UVA Health Prince William Medical Center
• Banks, Tiffany UVA | Community Health Medical Group
• Baxter, Tom | UVA Health Haymarket Medical Center
• Chase, Robert | UVA Health Prince William Medical Center
• Cleaves, Christine | UVA Community Health Medical Group
• Cruz, Nicolas | UVA Health Haymarket Medical Center
• Elgin, Keeley | UVA Health Culpeper Medical Center
• Garcia, Cesar | UVA Health Prince William Medical Center
• Gill, Mark | UVA Health Prince William Medical Center
• Haynes, Katherine | UVA Health Prince William Medical Center
• Heckel, Isora | UVA Health Prince William Medical Center
• Jarman, Keith | UVA Health Prince William Medical Center
• Jordan, Theodore | UVA Health Prince William Medical Center
• Khayat, Victor | UVA Community Health Medical Group
• Kuchnicki, Richard | UVA Health Haymarket Medical Center
• Leonard, Samuel | UVA Health Culpeper Medical Center
• McCloy, Arvena | UVA Health Prince William Medical Center
• Medina, Magalis | UVA Health Prince William Medical Center
• Morton, Suchada | UVA Health Culpeper Medical Center
• O'Bannon, Mark | UVA Health Prince William Medical Center
• Renninger, Lew | UVA Health Prince William Medical Center
• Riddlebarger, Alicia | UVA Community Health Medical Group
• Robinson, Kevin | UVA Health Culpeper Medical Center
• Roloff, Jay | UVA Health Prince William Medical Center
• Rothenmeyer, Mark | UVA Health Culpeper Medical Center
• Ruland, Emmett | UVA Health Haymarket Medical Center
• Russell, Julie | UVA Health Haymarket Medical Center
• Schmitt, Klaus | UVA Health Culpeper Medical Center
• Semsey, Steve | UVA Health Culpeper Medical Center
• Stein, Judy | UVA Health Prince William Medical Center
• Telian, Stanley | UVA Health Haymarket Medical Center
• Villagomez, Rachelle | UVA Health Prince William Medical Center
• Washington, Stanley | UVA Health Prince William Medical Center
• Woodward, Brian | UVA Health Culpeper Medical Center

U.S. Navy

• Lillie, Thomas | UVA Health Culpeper Medical Center
• Martinez, Andre | UVA Health Prince William Medical Center
• Moon, Thomas | UVA Health Culpeper Medical Center
• Phillips, Robert | UVA Health Prince William Medical Center
• Spencer, Jr., Michael | UVA Health Prince William Medical Center
• Sumner, Wayne | UVA Health Prince William Medical Center
• Weese, David | UVA Health Prince William Medical Center

U.S. Navy

• Carlson, Nathan | UVA Health Culpeper Medical Center
• Carroll, Charles | UVA Health Prince William Medical Center
• Chauca, Jorge | UVA Health Prince William Medical Center
• Delgado, David | UVA Health Prince William Medical Center
• Delos Reyes, Spencer | UVA Health Culpeper Medical Center
• Halman, Bill | UVA Health Prince William Medical Center
• Harrison, John | UVA Community Health Medical Group
• LaRusso, Jason | UVA Health Prince William Medical Center
• Markiewicz, Joseph | UVA Health Culpeper Medical Center
• Mathis, Gregory | UVA Health Prince William Medical Center
• McNeil, Clarence | UVA Health Prince William Medical Center
• Mitchell, Randy | UVA Health Culpeper Medical Center
• Newton, Johnny | UVA Health Culpeper Medical Center
• Ordonez, Gene | UVA Health Prince William Medical Center
• Radford, Ann | UVA Community Health Medical Group
• Rudy, Lisa | UVA Community Health Medical Group
• Talley, David | UVA Health Culpeper Medical Center
• Wade, Mary Ellen | UVA Health Prince William Medical Center
• Woodward, Brian | UVA Health Culpeper Medical Center

U.S. Air Force

• Biecher, James | UVA Health Culpeper Medical Center
• Connolly, Cathleen | UVA Health Haymarket Medical Center
• Daniels, Douglas | UVA Health Prince William Medical Center
• DeHart, Patrick | UVA Health Prince William Medical Center
• Gaskins, Renee | UVA Health Prince William Medical Center
• Hopkins, Harry | UVA Health Culpeper Medical Center
• Latimer, Jr., Robert A.W. | UVA Community Health Medical Group
• Maranian, Ara | UVA Community Health Medical Group
• McCloy, Arvena | UVA Health Prince William Medical Center
• Meister, Nicolette | UVA Health Culpeper Medical Center
• Nelson, Rebecca | UVA Health Prince William Medical Center
• Norton, Wendi | UVA Health Prince William Medical Center
• Perue, Carmen | UVA Health Culpeper Medical Center
• Prailey, Michael | UVA Health Prince William Medical Center
• Schueller, Christian | UVA Health Culpeper Medical Center
• Schwind, Kari | UVA Health Prince William Medical Center
• Sells, Richard | UVA Health Prince William Medical Center
• Titone, Amanda | UVA Health Culpeper Medical Center
• Van Deusen, Diane | UVA Health Prince William Medical Center

U.S. Coast Guard

• Smith, Parker | UVA Health Prince William Medical Center

U.S. Army National Guard

• Bednar, Michael | UVA Health Culpeper Medical Center
• Fronius, Henry | UVA Health Culpeper Medical Center
• Putman, Nicholas | UVA Health Culpeper Medical Center
• Thompson, Caleb | UVA Health Prince William Medical Center

U.S. Army Reserve

• Edwards, Dionne | UVA Health Culpeper Medical Center
• Varela, Leticia | UVA Health Culpeper Medical Center