On Friday, November 8, McLean Hospital recognized military veterans from throughout the McLean community with a special luncheon. This year’s attendees ranged from a sergeant in the U.S. Air Force to a commander in the U.S. Navy Reserves. McLean President and Psychiatrist in Chief Scott L. Rauch, MD, hosted the lunch.
The event continued a McLean tradition that started in 2010. The first year of the event, McLean received the Seven Seals Award from the Massachusetts division of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. The award honors employers for their support of staff members who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.
John Rodolico, PhD, director of McLean’s Military and Veteran Consultation Service, said, “This luncheon is a time when veterans from all periods of history, various services, and different countries come together and share their different experiences but connect around one thing—that they all wore a uniform and served their country when they did not have to.”
An Iraq War veteran and currently the state surgeon for the Massachusetts National Guard, Joint Force Headquarters, Rodolico explained that McLean’s support for veterans like himself goes well beyond the annual luncheon. “McLean is and has been extremely supportive of my military service to this day. During my multiple deployments they have welcomed me back and understood my absence to serve the country,” he said.
McLean’s commitment to veterans is reflected in its strong interest in hiring those who have served. According to Human Resources Manager Stephen Roma, “Many employers, including McLean, recognize the unique and varied talents veterans bring to the workforce and seek them out.” He said that Partners and McLean look for veterans to fill key roles because they have significant experience in “working as a team and adapting to difficult circumstances to achieve a larger mission.”
“The employer can benefit as much, or more, from the contributions of their veteran employees to the organization,” Roma said.
Rodolico said that the McLean community and the veteran community hold common values around teamwork and commitment. “One of the most striking things I have observed throughout the years of my service in the military and at McLean is the value of selfless sacrifice—the idea that the team goals are more important than your own personal goals,” he stated.
“The dedication that people at McLean have toward their patients mirrors that of the dedication of a soldier, marine, airman, or sailor,” he said.
Media Requests
Journalist or member of the media? We are available 24/7 for media requests.
