HAMMOND — North Oaks Health System honored the service and sacrifice of local military heroes during its Annual Veterans Day Celebration on Wednesday, Nov. 5, at North Oaks Medical Center.
Established by North Oaks employees in 2017, the annual event pays tribute to staff members and community residents who are veterans or active-duty service members. It serves as a time of reflection on the courage, duty and dedication required to defend our nation’s freedom.
The program began with an invocation from North Oaks Pastoral Care Director Keith Kincaid and a welcome from President and CEO Michele K. Sutton, FACHE.
The Color Guard of the Tangipahoa Cadet Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol—including Cadet/Captain Michael Mixon, Cadet/Chief Master Sergeant Isaiah Garcia, Cadet/First Lieutenant Wayne Fava, and Cadet/Master Sergeant Ethan Dykes—presented the colors, followed by a stirring performance of the National Anthem by Trumpeter Blake Daniels, a retired member of the health system’s Board of Commissioners.
“As a CEO, I often speak about strategy, innovation and growth, but today, I speak from the heart. I speak as someone who has family members who served and are actively in service to our nation. I believe that honoring our veterans is not just a ceremonial duty,” Sutton shared.
She continued, “It’s a moral obligation. It’s about living lives of purpose, building communities of respect and ensuring that every veteran feels seen, valued and supported. They have given us so much. Today, and every day, we strive to give back by improving lives.”
Following her remarks, Sutton introduced the event’s keynote speaker, Dr. Jerome L. Buller, a retired U.S. Army Colonel and current Deputy Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs. His service includes two years in the Middle East in support of the Global War on Terrorism. Also a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist and fellowship-trained urogynecologist, Dr. Buller has more than 25 years of military and civilian medical experience, including leadership in clinical, academic and operational medicine.
A fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and a Certified Physician Executive with the American Association for Physician Leadership, Dr. Buller’s academic credentials include master’s degrees from Johns Hopkins University and the National Defense University, reflecting a rare blend of clinical excellence and strategic insight.
Dr. Buller delivered an inspiring address on the meaning of Veterans Day and the lasting impact of military service.
“Veterans Day reminds us that freedom isn’t free,” remarked Dr. Buller. “It’s purchased with courage and sealed with sacrifice. We must remember the legacies of all who served. We must teach our children their stories—not as history, but as their encouragement.”
Before the program concluded, Captain Tom Tolar presented Sutton with the Patriot Award on behalf of the U.S. Department of Defense’s Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). Captain Tolar, who serves as Company Commander of the 843rd Engineer Construction Company with the Louisiana Army National Guard, also works at North Oaks as Facilities Development and Construction Manager.
“On behalf of the employees at North Oaks who also wear the uniform part-time, I want to say thank you,” Tolar shared. “In my four years at North Oaks, I’ve been called to duty five times for a total of 15 weeks. North Oaks consistently goes above and beyond to support its employees who serve.”
The Patriot Award recognizes employers who demonstrate exceptional support for employees serving in the National Guard and Reserve. Sutton and North Oaks were nominated by Captain Tolar in appreciation of her leadership and the health system’s ongoing commitment to supporting military-affiliated employees.
“I am truly honored to receive the Patriot Award, recognizing North Oaks as a Patriotic Employer,” Sutton shared. “This award reflects our entire organization’s commitment to supporting our employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserves. It acknowledges the culture of respect, flexibility and patriotism that defines North Oaks—and I accept it on behalf of every leader, coworker and team member who steps up to ensure our service members are valued, not inconvenienced.”
Established in 1972, ESGR promotes cooperation and understanding between Reserve Component service members and their civilian employers.
For more information about ESGR and its programs, visit esgr.mil.
To learn more about North Oaks Health System, visit northoaks.org or call (985) 230-6647.