“This day reminds me not only of the sacrifices made for freedom but also of our responsibility to preserve and strengthen it for those who will come after us.” – Luis Castillo, project manager senior (Southwest operations)
Across the nation, Americans gather on July 4 to celebrate our nation’s freedom with parades, food, and fireworks. TriWest Healthcare Alliance (TriWest) is proud to serve the military and Veteran communities who’ve defended and who fight today to protect our freedoms. It’s our very foundation and what we do at TriWest that instills into our workforce our patriotism and pride in our country.
In honor of this centuries-old holiday, three TriWest employees reflect on our nation’s independence and why celebrating is important to them.
In Their Own Words
“For me, Independence Day is about fully embracing a nation, a culture, and the ideals of freedom that make this place my home. Coming from a country where personal liberties were often trampled upon, I have a deep appreciation for the rights and opportunities we are afforded as American citizens.
I arrived in the United States as a teenager, uncertain of what my future here would hold. At 18, I joined the Army, embracing not just military service but the commitment to protect the freedoms that define this country. Serving for 24 years gave me a firsthand understanding of the struggles required to maintain independence—not just historically, but in the present.
In today’s world, where ideological divides threaten unity, Independence Day carries even greater weight. While our society and systems are not perfect, they remain the best I have experienced and are worth celebrating, protecting, and refining for future generations. This day reminds me not only of the sacrifices made for freedom but also of our responsibility to preserve and strengthen it for those who will come after us.” – Luis Castillo, project manager senior (Southwest operations)
“Independence Day signifies the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. For most people it is celebrating with friends and family, enjoying summer food, swimming, and culminating the special day by watching fireworks at night.
For many, it signifies the essence of our freedom and making sure our American flag is flying high. Freedom is something we should never take for granted. My father and mother were both WWII Veterans and never let us forget what freedom means to us in America. My father died shortly after 9/11, and we believe he never fully recovered from our country being attacked.
For those of us who lost loved ones during 9/11, July 4th takes on an entirely different connotation. It not only signifies what we lost, but also our endurance to persevere. This is our land, our freedom, and it will not be taken away!” – Susan Petrosky, quality assurance analyst
“Independence Day represents more than just the historical moment of our nation’s founding. It’s a time to reflect on the core values that make our country unique—freedom, equality, and the pursuit of happiness. For me, it’s a reminder of the sacrifices made by so many to create and protect those freedoms, as well as an opportunity to celebrate the progress we’ve made as a nation.
Independence Day isn’t just about fireworks and parades; it’s about taking a moment to acknowledge the importance of freedom in all its forms and the responsibility we have to preserve and expand that freedom for everyone.” – Christopher Robinson, senior administrative assistant