Aliases:
Veterans Resource Group, VRG, VUMC Veterans
Mission Statement:
Our VUMC Veterans Resource Group mission aligns with one of our four VUMC Strategic Directions; “Making Diversity and Inclusion Intentional” through the cultivation of teams that are reflective of our population and maximizing their potential within the organization.
Redcap Membership Survey Link:
https://redcap.link/veteranserg
Email:
Leadership:
Executive Sponsor
Megan Youngblood
Associate Vice President at Vanderbilt Health Services
megan.youngblood@vumc.org
President/Primary Sponsor
Joey Qualls
Sr. Learning Consultant, Workforce Development
joseph.a.qualls@vumc.org
VUMC Veterans Resource Group Membership
The experience of our military service (Veteran) population is vital to our nation and organization. One of the ways VUMC can benefit from their experiences, is through an active and effective Veteran Employee Resource Group.
These groups can take many shapes and forms, but the most successful groups include these key elements:
• Open membership to all with military service, and those interested in supporting them.
• Provide regular opportunities to meet for camaraderie, support, collaboration, and learning.
• Active mentoring program that helps military service employees navigate their careers.
A Veteran Resource Group can help newly hired Veterans feel as though they have landed in a familiar environment, while also giving them a community where they can grow within their career, share their experiences, and grow as leaders.
Additionally, VRGs often provide feedback to organizational leaders on issues that are important to veterans. Many programs also sponsor and participate in a variety of events for the Veteran community and offer other volunteer opportunities.
Member Expectations
• Be an advocate for all who have served, and “Making Diversity & Inclusion Intentional” in the workplace.
• Regularly engage in committee meetings and activities.
• Actively communicate your perspective, thoughts, and ideas.
Virtual Wall of Honor:
* For the 5th consecutive year, we are honoring VUMC Veterans through our annual Virtual Wall of Honor.
Upcoming Events:
Membership Meeting: TBD
Recent Events:
Veterans Day (VUMC VRG Town Hall) Meeting
November 11, 2021 | 11:00AM
URL: https://zoom.us/j/92091022663
Meeting ID: 920 9102 2663
Membership Meeting:
September 13, 11:30am -12:30pm
"A Conversation About Our Challenging Times"
VUMC Veterans Resource Group to honor Memorial Day through multiple activities.
The POW/MIA Table: A place setting for one, A table for all | Thursday, May 27th through Tuesday, June 1st | VUMC Adult Hospital Cafeteria, and the Monroe Carrell Jr. Children’s Hospital Food Court | The tradition of setting a separate table in honor of our prisoners of war and missing comrades has been in place since the end of the Vietnam War. This table is decorated full of special symbols to help us remember our brothers and sisters in arms. This year, our VUMC Veterans will honor our POW/MIA with two symbolic tables, one in the VUH Cafeteria, and one in MCJCH Food Court.
Flag-raising Ceremony | Monday, May 31st, 8 - 8:15 a.m. | Adult Hospital Plaza Flagpole near Au Bon Pain. A short and solemn opportunity to reflect and honor America’s fallen soldiers, Marines, airmen, sailors and first responders.
Link: Memorial Day Flag-Raising Recording
American Flags Distribution | Children’s, adult and psychiatric hospitals (on campus facilities only) will receive small 4” x 6” American Flags to display publicly, to remind us of our fallen, and to show support and solidarity to our patients and their families.
Memorial Day Video | In 2020, being limited by pandemic protocols, VUMC Veterans created a short video with a few staff describing what Memorial Day means to them, while also honoring someone special to them who gave the ultimate sacrifice while serving in any branch of the U.S. military, or as a First Responder. Video available here - https://vumc.box.com/v/MemorialDay2020
Past Events:
VUMC Veterans to celebrate Veterans Day and November with programs, events, community support, and 4th Annual Virtual Wall of Honor. (2020)
VUMC shares many of the core values and legacy of service found in military service among our Nation’s veterans. The VUMC Veterans Resource Group (VRG) was formed in 2017 as part of our Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Strategic Direction to enhance support, engagement, and build a strong sense of belonging among our Veterans, VUMC and the Nashville community. Throughout November, our VRG will honor our Veterans and First Responders with several events.
Wednesday, Nov. 11th, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (2020), the VRG will host a special virtual Veteran’s Day event with Jeffrey S. Upperman, MD. This year’s special event honoring VUMC veterans will explore what it means to be a VUMC Veteran in this difficult season and how we can apply our shared experience toward building resilience and unity across the organization. Dr. Upperman is the Chairman of Pediatric Surgery, Surgeon-in-Chief of Monroe Carrell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, and a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army Medical Corps. He served his country as Chief of Surgery during operation Iraqi Freedom 2 in 2004. Keynote will be followed by a panel discussion facilitated by Megan Youngblood, Associate Vice President of Vanderbilt Health Services. Our United Voices of Vanderbilt Choir will lead with special pre-recorded renditions of patriotic songs.
Wednesday, Nov. 11th, 1:00-2:30 p.m. (2020), external veterans seeking employment with VUMC will join our VUMC Talent Operations Team and VRG for resume preparation, interview coaching, and general application process and career questions.
For the fourth consecutive year, we are honoring VUMC Veterans through our annual Virtual “Wall of Honor” tribute (available on our VRG webpage: https://www.vumc.org/Diversity-and-Inclusion/54889). If interested in being included in the Wall of Honor or becoming a VRG member, please email veterans@vumc.org.
Thursday, Nov. 12th 8:30 a.m. (2020), VUMC is supporting Operation Stand Down Tennessee for their 10th Annual Heroes Breakfast. This annual event has made a profound impact on the local community for specific projects such as the development of Curb Victory Hall; a 39-unit apartment complex for Veterans experiencing homelessness in Nashville, TN.