Kaiser Permanente Recognized Employee Veterans in Honor of Memorial Day

South San Francisco, CA    May 22, 2015  Submitted by Joe Fragolia Kaiser Permanente

“As a veteran it’s an honor for me to represent Kaiser Permanente and be here today to salute those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in protection of our country,” said Gary Simms. Support Services Administrator for Kaiser Permanente South San Francisco.  Mr. Simms headed up a ceremony in honor of Memorial Day at the Medical Center on Thursday, May 21st in which employees, physicians and volunteers who are military veterans or on active duty were recognized for their service.

Vice Mayor Addeigo and Kaiser’s Gary Simms watch as the SSFPD Color Guard starts off the ceremony

Simms and South San Francisco Vice Mayor Mark Addiego congratulated the employee veterans at a special flag ceremony, complete with a Color Guard provided by the South San Francisco Police Department. Each military honoree was presented with a commemorative challenge coin inscribed with “In Appreciation of Your Sacrifice for Our Country.”  

Despite overcast skies, which added to the solemnity of the ceremony, the veterans were pleased and honored to be recognized. “It’s wonderful that we gather to recognize those who served and those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country,” said Vice Mayor Mark Addiego. “I want to applaud Kaiser Permanente for taking a lead in recognizing our veterans here as our nation reflects this Memorial Day weekend.

Niambi Lincoln accepts the Challenge Coin from Vice Mayor Mark Addiego

Patty Casey, Director of Rehab Service/Physical Therapy at the Medical Center was there to accept a challenge coin on behalf of her son, Corporal Thomas Casey, US Marine Corps, who is currently stationed on Okinawa.  “I’m so grateful there is more and more recognition of our military personnel and so proud to be working for Kaiser Permanente who is taking an active role in recognizing our military today.” Ms. Casey had a video chat with her son to tell him about the upcoming ceremony.  She shared that he was very pleased and had the biggest smile on his face.