Honoring Veterans and Current Members of the U.S. Military

There were military flags, patriotic music, flowers in red, white and blue, a hot breakfast and plenty of coffee, but what made it a true appreciation breakfast was the emotion expressed by veterans and members of the U.S. military who attended the Annual Veterans Breakfast provided by Lehigh Valley Hospital–Schuylkill, now part of Jefferson Health.

More than 200 attended at the Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) Sports Performance Center on the campus of Schuylkill Haven Area School District. Breakfast was served by hospital colleagues, some of them veterans, some bringing their children or spouses to help, which has become a tradition since the breakfast started nearly 25 years ago.

Veterans representing all service branches attended, many wearing caps or other insignia representing where they served and which branch of service. Some shared experiences of their time in the military; most chose to engage in conversation with each other and with the many volunteers who attended.

“First and foremost, we thank our veterans and members of the military for all they have done and are doing for our country,” says Terry Purcell, Regional Chief Operating Officer for the Jefferson Health–Lehigh Valley Region. “We also thank our colleagues and their families for again rising to the occasion to honor our veterans. This a true volunteer effort and remains the most supported volunteer initiative we do each year at LVH–Schuylkill. We are so proud of each and every colleague.”

Among the volunteers were several high school students, one who plans to join the U.S. Air Force after graduation, and another considering military service but not sure which branch. One colleague even brought her 2-month-old son to greet the veterans and offer her thanks. A retired LVH–Schuylkill colleague who volunteered for many past breakfasts also attended, saying she was very proud to be able to still be involved.

In addition to breakfast, hospital staff offered blood pressure screenings. Veterans were presented with assorted LVHN items, service line information and had the opportunity to learn about the services they may be eligible to receive through the Veterans Clinic in Schuylkill County.

A slide presentation of veterans’ breakfasts from the past two-and-a-half decades played while the group dined on French toast, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, home fries and fresh fruit. Hospital colleagues not only served breakfast but also took the time to visit with the vets to offer their thanks, learn about their service and engage in community fellowship.

Added Purcell, “This was an outstanding day for our hospital, our community and most importantly, our veterans.”