At Bethany Children’s Health Center, we are incredibly fortunate to have a diverse team of employees with various backgrounds and experiences. Those who have served in the military, like Activities of Daily Living Specialist (ADLS) Keenan Thompson, bring a unique perspective to their work. Veterans Day provides us with a valuable opportunity to gain insight into their experiences and express our deep gratitude for their dedicated service.
Keenan reflects on Veterans Day with gratitude, saying, “I appreciate that people take the time out of their day to honor those who have served. It’s a day set aside to let Veterans know that their sacrifices were not in vain and that they are appreciated.”
Keenan’s journey in the Navy serving as a Hospital Corpsman spanned from May 2015 to May 2021, and he attributes his strong sense of service to others to the values instilled in him by his parents from a young age.
“Most of my heroes were service members. There is nothing more commendable than sacrificing everything so that others may live, and I aspired to be a part of that,” he shares.
His service at the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth equipped him with valuable skills and knowledge in areas such as phlebotomy, IV catheters, medication administration, and anatomy and physiology. Keenan later served in the 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment in Twentynine Palms, CA. Alongside skills like familiarization with weapon systems, Keenan established better time management skills, writing skills and discipline.
“Joining the Navy most definitely forced me to mature very quickly,” he admits. “Being exposed to the dangers of this world and training for them has sharpened my skills and prepared me for different scenarios in life.”
The transition from military to civilian life can be challenging for veterans, but Keenan highlights that the shift in mindset evolves with time. His interest was instantly sparked when he came across the job opening at Bethany Children’s.
“I’ve always loved working with kids, but never really had any opportunities to do so. I also have a genuine interest in physical therapy. When I happened to come across the job opportunity, I applied immediately,” he says.
“I love the fact that Bethany Children’s invests so much into giving kids a better quality of life, while glorifying God at the same time. It feels good to offer kids more to hope for in their lives.”
We are profoundly grateful for the commitment and sacrifice of all our service men and women, including veterans like Keenan, who bring their unique skills and expertise to our community.
Happy Veterans Day!