Veterans Day is November 11th and it is about honoring the millions of military veterans in the United States. According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary a veteran is, "a soldier of long service, a former member of
the armed forces or a person of
long experience usually in some occupation or skill."
In AMT, we have many types of veterans that serve not only our country, but also our organization. Some have been in the military and have been a member of the AMT for many years. Others are members that have served AMT or the allied profession and have never been in the military, yet their dedication has served their profession and our community. In ISSAMT we have three veterans – Dr. Norm Frankel, Josephine Harden, MT and Fran Floyd, MT. All three have not only served their profession but have also been with AMT for over 20 years and have been dedicated to the organization.
Norman Frankel Ph.D., MT (AMT) served in World War II and was a medic in the United States Navy. Norm became certified as medical technician with AMT in 1958 and received his 50 year pin with the organization four years ago. His most recent award was the Pride of the Profession but he has also received the Order of the Golden Microscope, Pillar, Distinguished Achievement and the Exceptional Merit awards. He is currently on the Board of Directors for the state of Illinois and has served in many different capacities over the years including Illinois State President and Editor. In addition, he served on the board for AMTIE for six years. Norm has not only served our country admirably, but also AMT. Thank you, Norm, for all you do for American Medical Technologists and your years of service with the United States Navy!
Fran Floyd, MT (AMT) is a veteran with the United States Air Force. She is currently the Vice President of ISSAMT and has served on the Board of Directors for numerous years. She has been the Publicity Chair at the state level for more than four years. She is responsible for all the great pictures you see in our newsletter and our website. Fran is currently employed with Hines Veterans Hospital in Maywood, Illinois and has been there for many years. She has earned multiple awards including the Distinguished Achievement at the National level.
Our appreciation goes to Fran and her loyalty to AMT for over twenty years, in addition to her service to the United States of America!
Josephine Harden, MT (AMT) has been a member of AMT since 1977. She has served on the Board of Directors of Illinois for over 20 years and has only missed two national meetings since she joined the organization.
She worked for Lutheran General Hospital as a laboratory technician for 23 years and has also worked for the Veteran's Administration, Cook County Hospital and Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield as phlebotomist.
Josephine has been serving the state as delegate at the convention for over 20 years and has also volunteered to make and donate the state basket every year for the Welcome Party at the convention. Her state baskets are always creative and are always made with perfection and are admired by all the states for their originality. Josephine has been present at every single board and business meeting since I have been president. Her reliability and allegiance to the organization is respected and appreciated!
These examples demonstrate the reason why Veterans Day is a time for pause and appreciation. Everyday millions put their lives on the line, while many others also serve this country in ways that are too numerous to count. Years of service to any cause should always be remembered and although giving service to this country is meritorious, we can also take time to thank other types of a veterans whose service is also commendable, notable and truly appreciated!
September 2011