FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Michelle Aliprantis, MBA
Regional Director of Marketing and Communications
MAliprantis@primehealthcare.com
Suburban Community Hospital and Community Partners Honor Local Veterans
East Norriton, PA ( November 11, 2022) – In honor of Veteran’s Day, Suburban Community Hospital celebrated the men and women who serve or have served in our nation’s military on November 11.
Congresswoman Madeleine Dean of Montgomery County presented Robert (Bob) Pullen, Vietnam War veteran and Vice President of the Veterans Brotherhood, with a proclamation recognizing his service and bravery. Both Pullen and Congresswoman Dean were the featured speakers during the ceremony.
At the event, honoree Pullen, said, “While being treated for PTSD, my counselor suggested I find a mission for my life. Clyde Hoch offered me the opportunity to help other veterans through the Veterans Brotherhood.”
Veterans Brotherhood is an all-volunteer, tax-exempt organization funded by donations, with the goal of helping veterans get off the street before getting in trouble with the law.
“It was a privilege to join Suburban Community Hospital, and many local leaders, this Veterans Day to honor the brave men and women who have served our nation — and to pay tribute to Bob Pullen and his honorable career,” Rep. Dean said. “As a Vietnam War Veteran and as Vice President of Veterans Brotherhood, Bob Pullen embodies service. He has made a real difference in the lives of veterans in our community, and I’m grateful for his leadership in Montgomery County.”
The event opened with the Norristown Marching Band and students from Central Montco Technical High School of Plymouth Meeting handing cards of thanks to veterans. Speakers included Michael Motte, Chief Executive Officer of Suburban Community Hospital; Tom Trojansky, Chief of Operations, Plymouth EMS; Dennis Miller, Administrator for Veterans Affairs, Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services; Shardae Wescott, Community Engagement Partnership Coordinator in the Suicide Prevention Program and Veteran Community Partnership Co-chair from the Coatesville VA; Sergeant Douglas, East Norriton Township Police Department; and Christopher (Chris) Stingo, Director of Nutrition Services at Suburban Community Hospital.
“Montgomery County has one of the largest veteran community populations in the area, with over 250,000 veterans in residence,” said Miller. “We honor and remember the extraordinary men and women who served and sacrificed to protect the freedoms we enjoy throughout our nation.”
The Montgomery County Office of Veteran Affairs advocates on behalf of active duty, guard/reserves, veterans, and the military-affiliated community (spouse/caregiver and dependent children), and coordinates access to resources through federal, state, and local initiatives and programs.
“We are here for you, we have always been here for you, and we are committed to helping those most in need first such as unstable housing, advanced age in crisis, and those struggling with mental health difficulties,” said Miller.”
“The true strength of our military is the spirit and skill of our American heroes, and the true strength of all of our Armed Forces is seen in the men and women who have worn, or now wear, the uniforms of our nation’s military,” said Motte. “It is our privilege to say, ’thank you’ to all of America’s veterans for your quiet courage and exemplary service.”
At the event, Suburban Community Hospital displayed names of local veterans and will feature the sign in the hospital lobby for the entire month of November. The sign reads, “Veterans Day, honoring all who served; Suburban Community Hospital proudly honors all veterans and would like to acknowledge and thank the following individuals for their Military service:
Alfred M. Anderson-U.S. Army
Alan Karver- U.S. Air Force
Allison Stanco-Aguilar- U.S. Army
Anthony Tyson- U.S. Army
Avery Cooper -U.S. Army
Bill Pinkstone- U.S. Marine Corps
Christopher Stingo- U.S. Army
Dennis C. Miller-Commander-U. S. Coast Guard
David Dutertre -U.S. Army
David Hummel- U.S. Marine Corps
Edward Keener- U.S. Coast Guard
Gale Pickell- U.S. Marine Corps
Jason Harrar – U.S. Marine Corps & U.S. Army
Jim Bodor- U.S. Army
Joseph Ellis -U.S. Army
Judy Weitzel- U.S. Army
Kevin Messmer -U.S. Army
Mariela Moran-Sanchez— U.S. National Guard
Matthew Wells –U.S. Army
Michael Alexander-Veteran
Officer Andrew Kunkel – U.S. Navy
Officer Jason McClean- Air National Guard
Officer Matthew Cover – U.S. Army
Officer Nicholas Catagnus – U.S. Army
Olethia Ruffin-Veteran
Paul Aguilar- U.S. Marine Corps & U.S. Army
Ralph Culbreth- U.S. Navy
Raymond Findley- Vietnam Veteran
Robert Pullen-Vietnam Veteran
Robert “Bob” Saalman- U.S. Navy
Stephen A. Pulley, D.O.- Army National Guard
Senior Chief Joseph M. Hayden II- U.S. Navy
Thomas Scheuerman -U.S. Army
Tilor Levandoski – U.S. Marine Corps
Tim Mack- Army National Guard
Tyler Carr -U.S. Army
William Peterman -U.S. Army
Walt Hartnett- U.S. Army
After the event, attendees enjoyed a complimentary gourmet lunch to-go and giveaways of American flag pins, Veterans Day red poppy seed packets, cards of thanks, a discount card to Suburban Community Hospital’s gift shop and cafeteria and information from local community resources.
American flags were placed on the hospital lawn the day of the event to honor and pay tribute to past and present military members.
Veterans Day originated as “Armistice Day” on Nov. 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the end of World War I. Congress passed a resolution in 1926 for an annual observance, and November 11 became a national holiday in 1938. Unlike Memorial Day, Veterans Day honors all former military service members. The name of the day of honor was changed to Veterans Day in 1954 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Ceremonies are traditionally held on the 11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour to mark the armistice signed between the allies of World War I and Germany at Compiègne, France, for the cessation of hostilities on the Western Front of World War I, which took effect at eleven o’clock in the morning.
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About Suburban Community Hospital: Suburban Community Hospital is a not-for-profit, acute care hospital, and a member of the Prime Healthcare Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity. For over 65 years, Suburban Community Hospital has been delivering quality healthcare to Montgomery County and the surrounding region. Suburban Community Hospital, originally named Riverview Hospital, opened in 1944. Chartered at 740 Sandy Street in Norristown, PA, Riverview Osteopathic Hospital would provide medical and surgical services to the sick, afflicted, and injured, and would educate persons in the care and nursing. As part of Prime Healthcare Services, headquartered in Ontario, California, Suburban Community Hospital is focused on becoming one of the leaders in technology.
Prime Healthcare is an award-winning hospital management company operating 45 acute care hospitals in 14 states, including Roxborough Memorial Hospital in Philadelphia, Lower Bucks Hospital in Bucks County, and Suburban Community Hospital in Montgomery County.