ALL IN 4AHERO
Dear AHERO , Thanks for inviting me to attend AHERO ’ s 2021 “ Warrior Hook-Up in Orange Beach ” on May 7th and 8th . It was a privilege to be part of this event . I was honored to hear the stories of perseverance and overcoming obstacles from the combat Veterans who attended . As a nurse for the Department of Veterans Affairs ’ Veterans Health Administration ( VHA ), my goal was to provide help and support to the attendees . But what I received was far more than I gave . Watching the camaraderie among the Veterans was inspiring ; love and respect permeated the entire event . Camaraderie is the essence of what connects military units and provides cohesiveness among the individual members . Over the weekend , this group of combat Veterans demonstrated camaraderie through mutual trust and friendship , encouraging each other during various events . Even though many attendees had not met prior to this weekend , they formed an immediate bond , and graciously accepted me as part of the group . It was beautiful to witness these fierce warriors offer love to one another with gentle hearts . On Friday morning , even though most had never participated in yoga , during the yoga class , they were open to the concept and encouraged each other to succeed . And during the deep-sea fishing excursion , they were as excited for others when they caught fish as they had been for their own catches . There is no greater rapport than that shared amongst military service members . The deep affection and love this group of Veterans showed for each other was inspirational . As I ponder over this weekend , it reminds me of quote from Tim Hetherington : “ Brotherhood means laying down your life for somebody , really willing to sacrifice yourself for somebody else .” Thanks for your service and your continued commitment to each other and to the United States of America .
Yours in service , Traci L . Solt , DNP , FACHE , NEA-BC Director for Clinical Services VHA National Office of Primary Care
VHA Director of Clinical Services Traci Solt was a very welcome guest and an honor to host at the Warrior Hook-Up .
74 AHERO MAGAZINE SUMMER 2021