Victory Healthcare continues its commitment to honor America's wounded warriors

Victory HealthcareJun 30 2014

Victory Healthcare continues its corporate-wide commitment to honor America's wounded warriors and the sacrifice they and their families made for our freedom by implementing employee philosophies and practices. The Veteran's policy is integrated across the company to support military service men and women wounded in the global war on terror since September 11, 2001. The effort consists of an equal opportunity employment policy, proactive veteran recruitment for open job positions and ongoing integration of fundraising for veteran's organizations across the state.

"Our commitment to honor and support America's wounded warriors is now the signature focus of our company's charitable activities and we want it integrated into every facet of our organization," explained Robert N. Helms, Jr., Chairman of the Board and CEO of Victory Healthcare. "We want to be sure these men and women have a place of employment and are recognized at Victory Healthcare."

Victory Healthcare kicked off the initiative with a donation to the George W. Bush Institute at the Warrior Open golf tournament in 2013. The commitment was emboldened after Victory Healthcare executives attended The George W. Bush Institute's Military Service Initiative Summit, "Empowering Our Nation's Warriors." They made the decision to increase efforts and formalize a system-wide policy across its eight medical centers. Since the Veteran's initiative was launched, Victory facilities throughout Texas have raised money for the veteran's organizations by hosting various fundraisers including: bake sales, cookouts and raffles. Current veteran employees are also recognized during various events and on Veteran's Day.

Retired Army Col. Miguel Howe, director of the Bush Institute's military service initiative, said "It's great to see that Victory Healthcare has made a commitment to our nation's veterans. We look forward to seeing how their program succeeds and grows through the years."

"Not only does Victory Medical Center Landmark care about my patients as much as I do, and provide quality patient care but I'm so proud to be affiliated with an organization that supports our veterans," said Dr. Steven Cyr, founder and president of the Orthopaedic & Spine Institute (OSI), the Children's Orthopaedic & Spine Center and HealthCrave Medical Center in San Antonio. Dr. Cyr is the former Chief of Spine Surgery and Spine Surgery Consultant to the Surgeon General of the Air Force and he won the San Antonio Business Journal's Healthcare Heroes Award for Excellence in Military Medicine earlier this year.

In addition to the company and employee support, this is of personal interest and passion to Helms. Earlier this year he took a group of wounded warriors to his ranch in Pumpville, Texas. They spent three days together sharing experiences and hunting; a video can be seen here.

"Having the opportunity to go on a hunt with fellow warriors is where I find myself most at peace," said retired Corporal Jake Schick, United States Marine Corps. "I thoroughly enjoy being vastly separated from the big city from time-to-time in order to recharge and reflect on my everyday life. When warriors are put together in a stress-free and relaxing environment, fellowship and camaraderie are able to take center stage. This, in turn, helps us to continue to heal, mostly from wounds unseen. I know that I can speak for my brothers-in-arms when I say that this hunt garnered lifelong friendships amongst warriors and civilians alike."

On March 19, 2014, Texas Congressman Pete Olson presented Helms a flag and proclamation to commemorate the company's commitment to honor America's military men and women wounded in the global war on terror since September 11, 2001.