Wound Center nominated for Freedom Award
OCH Regional Medical Center's Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Center has been named a 2018 nominee for the Freedom Award, which is the highest honor the U.S. Department of Defense bestows to civilian entities.
Jimmy Vaughan, a volunteer with the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, presented the certificate to the Center's program director Brad McKenzie on Tuesday.
“Each year, Guard and Reserve members have the opportunity to nominate their employer for the Freedom Award,” said Vaughn, who is retired from the U.S. Army.
According to Vaughan, the ESGR State Committee reviews nominations and submits recommendations for the next round. A national selection board comprised of senior Department of Defense officials, business leaders and prior awardees select up to 15 employers to receive the Secretary of Defense's award. This is a way for the employee and ESGR to thank the employers for their support.
LTC Beth Sisson, who works at the Center as a board certified wound and foot care nurse, nominated the Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Center for the award.
When she's not providing wound care for patients at OCH, Sisson serves as the commander for the 6-95th military intelligence battalion in San Antonio, Texas.
“In the Army Reserves, we go wherever we're assigned and that's not always easy for our employers be-
cause our schedules can be very unpredictable,” Sisson said. “Brad has been very supportive of me, always going above and beyond to accommodate my schedule and thanking me for my service. That kind of support has meant so much to me.”
This prestigious recognition by the Department of Defense comes during National Wound Healing Awareness Month to help raise awareness of chronic wounds and treatments available. As one of over 700 Healogics-managed centers, the OCH Regional Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Center offers advanced therapies to patients suffering from chronic wounds.
"Receiving this nomination for the Freedom Award during National Wound Healing Awareness Month makes it that much more special,” McKenzie said. “We're a team here at the wound healing center, and we're proud to support Beth and appreciate what she and all of the men and women do who serve our country."