HEALTH FIRST CHIEF Experience Officer Paula Just joins U.S. Army Lt. Phil Albert, Chairman of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserves, to sign a Statement of Support with the organization.

Health First, the largest healthcare provider in Brevard County, and one of the largest employers in the region, is proud to partner with the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserves (ESGR) organization by joining their Statement of Support program. Organizations such as Health First appreciate the values, leadership and unique skills service members bring to the workforce – and benefit from such talent.

The Statement of Support is the cornerstone of ESGR’s efforts to gain and maintain employer support for the Guard and Reserve, and to encourage employers to act as advocates for employee participation in the military. Supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s Guard and Reserve units.

Against the backdrop of flags representing all U.S. Armed Forces, Health First on November 10 hosted a Veterans Day signing ceremony at Holmes Regional Medical Center. In addition to Health First and ESGR leaders, dozens of Health First associates who have served our country were also in attendance.  

Upon conclusion of the signing ceremony, Health First kicked off its annual associate card-signing program that sends thanks and encouraging wishes to our service men and women currently deployed around the world.  Now in its ninth year, with more than 10,000 cards signed and delivered, Health First associates participate in what’s become a tradition leading into the Thanksgiving holiday.

Over the next two weeks, card signing stations are set up at various Health First locations across Brevard County, and associates have the opportunity to write a personal message.  

Judy Steele is a seven-year associate with Health First’s security team who served in the U.S. Air Force from 1975-1979. She comes from a military family and now has a grandson serving in Texas. She says the level of support and appreciation her employer shows to its associates highlights why she loves coming to work each day.

“Health First has been a phenomenal pivotal point for veterans in this area. I want to say a large majority of the people that work here are ex-military, and some are still active-duty reservists. I'm just grateful to be a part of this team.”

READ the full article in Space Coast Daily HERE.