TriWest Veteran employees reflect on their proudest military moment and what it means to them as they observe Veterans Day 2024.
For every Veteran, Veterans Day prompts different reflections, but one certainty is that it rekindles a sense of pride for experiencing something bigger, stronger and more impressive than yourself. Some embers don’t extinguish easily.
As a strong supporter of Veterans and the military community, Team TriNet contacted Veteran employees and asked them to share their proudest military moment, and how it shaped their perspectives of this year’s observance.
The Veteran responses below reflect the many different memories and perspectives of TriWest employees who were proud to wear our nation’s uniform and serve in our defense.
Pamela Dillow, TriWest TRICARE Referral Specialist
Military Service Role: Hospital Corpsman (HM3), U.S. Navy
Military Service: 1998-2004
Proudest military service moment:
“One of my proudest moments of my military service was when I was deployed with Fleet Hospital 8 to Rota, Spain in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom from March-May 2003. I had the honor of caring for many service members from all military branches who volunteered to defend our country and got injured but still wanted to be with their units to complete their mission.”
“It was hard seeing my first amputation injuries and gunshot and shrapnel wounds, but I knew that it was my mission to take care of them. My patients were someone’s husband, wife, father, mother, son, daughter, brother or sister and I was going to do my best to give them the best care possible and to be an ear to listen if they needed to talk.”
What Veterans Day 2024 means:
“I learned to appreciate what I have and the blessing that my family is safe and healthy because so many service members didn’t get a chance to come back home and adapt to life as a Veteran. They did not have the chance to have a family and grow old. I am blessed that my father, uncle and brother were able to come home after their time in the military to have families and lives. It’s because of Veterans all around the world who made a commitment to follow orders with our nation’s best interest in mind.”
Manny Chavez, TriWest Supervisor, Claims
Military Service Role: Military Police, U.S. Army
Military Service: 2006-2014; Operation Iraqi Freedom, May 2007-June 2008
Proudest military service moment:
“Answering my nation’s call and deploying to Iraq in 2008. It made me proud because I was a family third-generation enlistee, but more than that my father and grandfather both served in combat operations. Ever since my sophomore year of high school, I knew I wanted to help others, and I could not think of any better way to help those who knew nothing but war and persecution.”
What Veterans Day 2024 means:
“To me, Veterans Day means acknowledging our great nation’s Veterans and appreciating their sacrifices, and the ongoing service and sacrifices that our military members continue to do to protect our freedoms.”
Valerie Juarez, TRICARE Customer Service Representative
Military Service Role: Dental Technician First Class (Retired), U.S. Navy
Military Service: 1977-1997
Proudest military service moment:
“My proudest military service experience was being the leading Petty Officer at the largest dental facility on Camp Pendleton. As the leading Petty Officer, I had the opportunity to teach numerous groups in the art of four-handed dentistry mostly for the Red Cross Dental Assisting Program. I was the primary instructor of the teaching phase of the program.”
What Veterans Day 2024 means:
“To me as a Veteran, Veterans Day is always a day to remember all those you have served with.”
Gregory Kay, TriWest Claims Escalation Representative
Military Service Role: Field Artillery Sergeant, U.S. Army
Military Service: 1995-1998 Active Duty; 1998-2017, Army National Guard
Proudest military service moment:
“Providing support and relief efforts to Hurricane Katrina victims, whether it was food, water, or finding the closest open shelter for them. We showed that we were there for the victims in their time of need.”
What Veterans Day 2024 means:
“To me Veterans Day is honoring my prior military grandparents and my father for their service, and then all other service members for their service as well. It’s a day to remember and reflect on our time in service with our fellow service members and especially not forget those who have given their all and their contribution in our lives as service members.”
Brad Mabrey, TriWest Manager, CCN Contract Management
Military Service Role: Linguist/Military Intelligence, U.S. Army
Military Service: 2006-2015
Proudest military service moment:
“My unit played a key role in rescuing American hostages held by narco-terrorists in South America. I worked closely with American and South American service members to help discover the location of the hostages and provided real-time information during their rescue. I was proud to play a key part in their rescue.”
What Veterans Day 2024 means:
“In the context of my proudest moment, Veterans Day to me means never forgetting a fellow service member, never leaving them behind, always trying to care for them, look for them and remember them, even after your service is done.”
George Mann, TriWest Supervisor, Provider Systems & Quality
Military Service Role: Tactical Satellite and Microwave Systems Operator, U.S. Army Signal Corps
Military Service: 1990-1993
Proudest military service moment:
“I have many proud memories, but honestly, graduating from basic training will always stick out to me. I had no family come to witness the moment, but even though I shared it mostly with myself (with plenty of buddies around), it was still a proud and memorable moment. It was probably the most significant thing I had accomplished in my life up to that point, in my mind.”
What Veterans Day 2024 means:
“Veterans Day is a time of reflection for me, to think back on the many good friends that became like brothers to me; to honor those who gave everything; and to remember those who paid for the freedoms we hold dear, many paying the ultimate sacrifice. It means remembering service to others and your nation is its own reward.”
Andrew Suh, TriWest Referral Specialist
Military Role: Materials Management Staff Sergeant (E-5), Supply/Logistics, U.S. Air Force
Military Service: 2002-2010; Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan), Dec. 2008-June 2009
Proudest military service moment:
“During my deployment in Afghanistan I received an Army Commendation Medal, an Army Achievement Medal, and a North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal with ISAF clasp (NATO/ISAF) as an Air Force Staff Sergeant (E-5). I am also proud of working with multi-national forces and having interactions with Afghan nationals.”
What Veterans Day 2024 means:
“Honoring all Veterans of all generations for their dedicated service to this nation. Remember, because of service and dedication, we have all of our freedoms.”
Mitch Wentzel, TriWest Program Manager, Small & Disadvantaged Businesses
Military Service Role: Bulk Fuel Chief Warrant Officer 4 (Retired), U.S. Marine Corps
Military Service: 1982-2013
Proudest military service moment:
“My proudest moment was serving with my oldest son Ryan at Camp Pendleton during my last Annual Training Duty in 2012. Earlier, in 2010, Ryan had deployed to Afghanistan and suffered an injury while on a security patrol.”
What Veterans Day 2024 means:
“Veterans Day 2024 means to me that I am blessed that I can celebrate the day with both of my sons, my son-in-law, and my brother, all of whom are Veterans.”
To all Veterans who served in uniform to protect our nation, TriWest thanks you for your service and wishes you a happy and rewarding Veterans Day!