November 8, 2024
Happy Veterans Day and Veterans Month! While Aledade is celebrating the day with some time off for our employees, our Veterans, First Responders & Friends Employee Resource Group (ERG) creates a space for community and connection year-round – and they are leading some additional internal celebrations throughout November. Get to know a few of the members below.
Cara Archer, Senior Manager, Corporate Events
With a number of family members and friends in the U.S. military and law enforcement, it was an easy decision to become a founding member and co-lead of the Veterans, First Responders & Friends ERG in 2019 – and I continue to support the ERG in recognizing and honoring the sacrifices of our nation’s bravest at Aledade and in our communities. For me personally, it’s been incredibly eye-opening to learn more about the sacrifices during deployment and the mental, physical and psychological demands of civilian life.
Among the ERG, there is also a mild competition of which is the best branch… (Go Navy!)
But in all seriousness, the Veterans ERG has provided a safe space for veterans and their families to share resources, offer support and educate our allies. And we have done some amazing activities to educate Aledade Nation and their families on the heroes among us. I love that Aledade also recognizes and honors our partners in the communities we serve – and that we promote awareness, support and advocacy. The ERG sponsors the annual 22 Push-Up Challenge internally to bring awareness to Suicide Prevention among Veterans. Everyone is invited to participate, and the Aledaders leading the sessions always take a moment to share their “why.”
I strive to always be of service to those who have served with sacrifice. Veterans Day is every day to me – from being a caretaker/advocate to volunteering at the local naval hospital providing support to Wounded Warriors to volunteering at a local church that provides meals to veterans.
I’m so grateful for all the sacrifices that our veterans and their families have made to protect us all at home and abroad.
Curtis Moore, Lead, Informatics, Aledade Plus
Joining the Veterans, First Responders & Friends ERG felt like a natural choice for me, considering my connections within the military and law enforcement communities through family and friends. Spending 10 years with the California Department of Corrections, I’ve always cherished the camaraderie and mutual support that come with being part of a close-knit group.
The ERG has been a wonderful space where I can connect with both colleagues who share similar backgrounds as well as those who don’t share the same background but are eager to join in on the discussions. It has created a sense of belonging and understanding that goes beyond our daily work interactions. It’s not just about meeting people – it’s about sharing our stories and learning from one another in ways we may not otherwise experience. Aledade is the first place I’ve worked that has ERGs, and it has been an eye-opening and rewarding experience.
Veterans Day holds a very special place in my heart. It serves as a touching reminder of the strength, resilience and dedication that define the military community. It’s also a time to help others understand the experiences and challenges faced by our veterans, fostering greater empathy and appreciation.
Michael Melrose, Senior Practice Transformation Specialist
When I started at Aledade almost four years ago, I didn’t quite know what to expect. This organization was growing rapidly and I suddenly found myself onboard the train that was speeding towards healthcare transformation. As soon as I signed my offer letter, a month before I started, I was sent emails and messages welcoming me and congratulating me on the position from my team members at Aledade. This was not something I had ever experienced before – and it showed me that the culture at Aledade was different, in a very positive way.
After onboarding, I learned about the Veterans, First Responders & Friends ERG and jumped right in – and it has helped me connect better with the culture at Aledade and feel supported with a community that has similar experiences. And I cannot stress enough how important that last element has been and continues to be – for me and many other veterans.
Veterans Day is important for me as it is a time to be grateful for those who have served – and it is also a time for me to reflect on my own service. After high school I enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, and I met some of the best people I have ever known. After four years of service, we had gone through a deployment and a combat zone…we had been to eight different countries…we had spent countless hours training and close to 400 days at sea together. It was a whirlwind.
For myself, I remember our veterans because so much is given up to serve. In my experience, I missed the birth of my oldest daughter, the passing of both of my parents, my first wedding anniversary, countless birthdays…and that was all within four years. And that’s not uncommon. But ultimately, I had the privilege and opportunity to serve. I saw firsthand the hardships and the challenges that come through service in the military, and I believe it is on all of us to ensure our veterans are not forgotten and that we bridge the gaps in building communities and pathways for their return to what is considered “normal.” It’s not an easy task, but observing Veterans Day is an important step towards that goal.
Leah Zoellner, Senior Facilitator
I joined the Veterans, First Responders & Friends ERG because 1) I started my career as an emergency medical technician (EMT) and 2) I have many family members who have served their country in the military or are currently in law enforcement. The comradery and support among the group is wonderful to see, and it is amazing to work for Aledade – a company that not only allows this, but supports and encourages us.
Today – Veterans Day – is a time to reflect and honor all those who served. I like to call or text my brother, uncles and friends who have served to give them a few thankful words. It’s not easy to serve, and it is not kind to one’s personal life. I feel that by letting them know I am grateful for their sacrifice, which contributes to all of our freedoms and safety, I honor their service. I encourage you to send a thankful message to a Veteran in your life this month. Without them, this unique country would look very different.