SPECIAL EDITION 2020

Who is a Veteran? A Veteran—whether active duty, discharged, retired or

reserves—is someone who at one point in his or her life wrote a blank check made payable to the USA for an

amount of up to and including his or her life.

US Armed Forces Mottos: Army: This We’ll Defend

Navy: Honor, Courage, Commitment

Air Force: Aim High...Fly-Fight-Win

Marines: Semper Fidelis (Always Faithful)

Coast Guard: Semper Paratus (Always Ready)

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We Celebrate Our Country. We Celebrate Our Freedom.

We Celebrate You. By Richard E. Yochum, FACHE, President/CEO (Ret. US Navy 1967-1971)

On Veterans Day, we honor those who have served in the United States Armed Forces and their loved ones – and especially the veterans who have chosen to work for Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center. You bring many strengths from your military training to our Hospital cul-ture, including:

Working well in a team. Teamwork is considered an essential part of daily life and is the foundation on which safe military operations are built.

Having a sense of duty. Responsibility for job performance and accountability for completing mis-sions are something to take pride in.

Experiencing self-confidence. Holding a realistic estimation of self and ability based on experiences is expected of each Service Member.

Being organized and disciplined.

Possessing a strong work ethic. In the military, the mission always comes first.

Follow through. Having the ability to follow through on assignments, even under difficult or stressful circumstances.

Diversity in skills. Possessing a variety of cross-functional skills, such as extensive training on com-puter programs and systems, interacting with various people with different skills to accomplish a task, and coordinating and troubleshooting problems in novel and known conditions.

Problem-solving. Being able to problem solve quickly and creatively.

Nimble. Being able to adapt to changing situa-tions.

Deadline-oriented. Being able to follow rules and schedules.

Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center is a proud employer of veterans and those on active duty. While Veterans Day may look a bit different this year because of the pandemic – no parades or large gather-ings – we will still remember, honor and pay gratitude to those who have served our country and their loved ones who supported them. Blessings to you and your families, our troops and America.

Rich Yochum served as a Hospital Corpsman with the Fleet Marine Force (Marines) and had a tour of duty in Vietnam in the Mekong Delta with the Riverine Forces (Brown Water Navy). Rich is standing in front of a small chapel and church in the Village of Tan Capu with a Vietnamese Doctor.

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Almighty God, we thank you for all that you have done for us. We thank you for the beauty of this world, for the wonder of life,

and for the mystery of love.

We thank you for the blessing of our children, our family and friends, and for the loving care which surrounds us as we journey

upon the earth.

Today, help us remember our sisters and brothers, our veterans who have served so selflessly, often at great price to themselves

and to their families defending the freedoms we enjoy.

We are grateful for all the sacrifices they and their families have made for us. May you bless them with your presence, healing,

and guidance.

We thank you God that you always hear us when we pray, for your dear and holy name’s sake.

Amen.

— Chaplain Frank Munoz 11.11.20

Moment of Silence: Let us honor our Veterans with a moment of silence. Remembering our Veterans searching for healing of their bodies and for

healing of their souls. Remembering their families who are grieving. Remembering that 22 Veterans commit suicide on a daily basis.

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Annette Canjura, RRT, RCP, in Cardiorespiratory is a Desert Storm Veteran. She was in the US Army for three years.

“I learned how to take care of myself and others during a crisis. The GI Bill paid the tuition for my degree in Respiratory Therapy.”

Brian Lawhorne is the Director of Technical Services in the IS Department. He was in the US

Marine Corps from October 1982 to January 1990.

“The Marines provided me a direction for my life. It got me out of the small town where I lived in

Nebraska. It provided me strength. I competed in 1984 at the Far East

Rifle and Pistol Competition in Okinawa, Japan and placed in

the top 10%. A family friend who was a

WWII, Korea, and Vietnam vet was my military mentor and shared many great stories with me.”

Charlie Chiang is the Disaster Resource Coordinator in Environmental Safety. He was in

the US Marine Corps for 14 years.

“I made lifelong friendships. My mentor was Colonel Walters. My favorite memories were

listening to my fellow Marines smoke and joke during downtime.”

Tony Burton is a Clinical Informatics Analyst in IS. He was in

both the Army and Marines for eight years.

“The military changed my life by teaching me life skills that I still use to this day. My favorite memory is

the comradeship knowing the people around you will always have

your back.

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Leah Pineda is a Pharmacy Techni-cian in the Pharmacy. She has been in the Army Reserves for 16 years.

“The Army has given me the privilege of traveling to many places in the

world, including my most recent mobi-lization to Germany this year. I was

introduced to a very diverse communi-ty from the time I joined at 18 years old until now. It allowed me to make many friends from different parts of the country who I can easily call my

brothers and sisters. My favorite memory happened this year. While working Outpatient Phar-macy in the military hospital in Land-stuhl, Germany, COVID-19 created a

different work environment for the whole pharmacy. I was able to really bond and get to know the other tech-

nicians and the Pharmacists. I en-joyed all the memories My most mem-orable moment with them was coming together at my going away picnic, and being able to spend one last time with them outside of our work environment.

The military member who made the most significant impact on my life is my previous NCOIC (Non-Commis-

sion Officer in Charge) and friend, Staff Sergeant Burnell. I got to work side by side with him at Madigan Ar-my Medical Center in 2017, where I

got to learn from him as a leader and was able to see him promoted while I was there. I was able to work with him at my next mobilization in Landstuhl

Regional Medical Center. He has shown me what it’s like to be a great leader. I hope to see him again in my

military career.

Bill Mittelstaedt is the Telecom Tech in IS. He was in the US Air Force for four years.

“The military changed my life by bringing me to Southern California. I remember being dragged out of the Comm. Building getting hosed down head-to-foot with water and covered with paper chad. SSGT Al Hurst was my squad leader.”

Cesar Geonanga, BSN, RN, PHN, CCRN, ICU2 Clinical Supervisor was in the US Army and

California Army National Guard.

“The military changed my life positively by offering me an opportunity to earn money for college, as well as travel. I also learned a skillset and was honored to serve the United States of America. My favorite memories were graduating Airborne

school, Parachute Rigger school and being assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division.

I hold all I worked with in high regard, especially two of the Generals I served with, Major General Peter Gravett and Major General Edmund Zsyk.

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Esmeralda Bolanos is the Center Supervisor at PVHC, Claremont. She was in the US Navy for six years.

“The military provided me with a home. I was able to escape the toxic environment I was living in. My favorite memory from the Navy is finding my soulmate. My husband was also in the service, and we have been happily married for 14 years. We have two beautiful daughters. When I first started my Navy career, Chief Jimenez took me under his wing and took the time to share his knowledge with me. Chief Jimenez was more than a mentor. He was more of a father figure. He always made sure I was doing OK and made sure I was respected as a female in the military.”

Gregory Daly is our Data Security/Compliance Manager. He served in

the US Navy from 1982-1986.

“My favorite memory is the view from the Aircraft Carrier deck at sunset in

the Indian Ocean.”

Christopher Landers is a Clinical Labora-tory Scientist in Microbiology. He served in the US Army Medical Department for four years as a 68K, Medical Laboratory Technician.

“Service in the military allowed me to get certified in my field, gain hands on experience and complete a Bachelor’s Degree while on active duty. My favor-ite memories are winning the Battalion Non-Commissioned Officer of the Quarter Competition and competing in the Expert Field Medic Competition, and teaching younger soldiers essen-tial tasks such as land navigation and rifle marksmanship. I have many people in my life who are Veterans who are an inspiration to me.”

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Jean Leger is the Business Office Supervisor. She was in the US Navy for

four years.

“The military led me into a more strict and stable lifestyle—helped me grow up. My favorite memory was my basic

training—it was very difficult, but well worth it.

My dad was my mentor. He served eight years in the US Marines.”

John Jimenez is the Director of Bio-Med. He served six years in the US Marines.

“The military provided me with a great education in electronics, taught me to

grow up fast beginning at 18 years old and reinforced the patriotic values my father had raised us with — to always honor and respect our Nation and flag. My time in Boot Camp is my favorite memory, believe it or not! We were challenged to our limits and made many friends along they way as we all went through %ell together to become US Marines. My Senior Drill Instructor, Staff Sergeant Robson, was my mentor. He regularly talked to us about val-ues and principles that we should be willing to stand and fight for, like honor and respect for our Nation, the Marine Corps, family and our faith. Semper Fidelis.”

Frank Munoz is the Supervisor of Spiritual Care/Chaplain Services in Clinical Pastoral Education. He was in the Army and Air Force Chaplaincy for 12 years.

“The Combat Medical Ministry Course at the Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas trained me on how chaplains are integrated into the medical operations on the battlefield ministering to the dead, dying and wounded. I served on the chaplain team at Fort McClellan, Alabama serving the Military Police school. I have warm memories of all the colorful characters that composed this chaplain team including chaplains, chaplain assistants, civilian administrative support and their families. My First Sergeant in the Army basic training was a Vietnam Veteran and Army Ranger instructor. He modeled for me how to be a strong yet nurturing mentor. My leadership style is in memory of his life and service that completely transformed my life.”

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Alex Marmolejo, Jr., RRT, RCP is in Respiratory Services. He was in the US Navy for four years.

“The military changed my life by making me accountable for everything I do. It taught me to

never give anything less than my very best, despite that magnitude of the task. My favorite memory is the

steel beach picnic on the flight deck in the Persian Gulf in 120 degree heat with all my brothers

and sisters. My mentor, who always pushed me, was MMC Ramirez. He always challenged me to strive for as

many qualifications as I could. He never let up on me to continue getting better and more qualified.”

Ron Thomas is a Resp. Practitioner IV in Respiratory Services. He

served in the US Army, Military Police Corp for two years active duty and four

years reserves.

“The military greatly enhanced my maturity and sense of responsibility.

I was stationed in Germany and patrolled with the local police making

sure our soldiers and their dependents’ rights were protected in many situa-tions. I feel I developed my interper-

sonal skills at that time. I helped troubled soldiers by listening and

talking things out — letting them know there were better pathways to working out problems. My favorite memory is the proud look on my Mother’s face when she first saw me in uniform.

She came to my graduation at Ft. ORD in Monterey. She smiled and cried for

an hour. My platoon sergeant in basic

training was my mentor. He was tough but always listened. He instilled inner

strength and told me to never settle —never back down — be determined

and look forward.”

Milton Culver, RN, Cardiac Surgery

Coordinator served in the US Navy from 1971-1975,

VA 192.

“Serving in the military helped me to grow up and

gave me experience in leadership. It also helped me to understand what it meant to work hard and work with ‘excellence’ in mind. My best memories

involve the friends I made, the work we did together and the adventures we

had ashore.”

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Ivan Beals is an Officer in Security. He served in the US Army from 1989-1992.

“Military life helped me focus on my life. Beforehand I was floundering, unsure of my direction. My favorite memory was flying with the Black Hawk crew from base to base in S. Korea. My mentor was my Basic Training leader, SSGT Turner. He kept me excited for the military life. He helped me fight through my struggles and excel at moving forward.”

Vickie Woleader is a Radiologic/Mammo Technologist in Radiology. She served in the US Navy/Navy Reserves from 1987-1999.

“Military service gave me a true appreciation for the freedoms we enjoy and what it takes to fight for them. It also instilled in me organizational skills and an appreciation for the attention to detail. My Dad and two step-dads all served in the Navy. I grew up with a love for the Navy and a desire to serve.” Steve Parrilla, is an

Officer in Security. He served in the US Marine Corp for three years.

“The military taught me responsibility, love for Country and friendship. My favorite memory is on my first day the yel-low footprints. I had so many men-tors, but the best exam-ple was the Senior Drill Instructor. The Captain overseas was also awesome.”

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Rudy Monteros is an Officer in Security. He served in the US Air Force for seven years.

“The military prepared me for my future. Basic training taught me discipline, behavior and respect. My mentors were Sgt(s) Leaman and Rodriguez.”

Pamela Garcia is a Systems Analyst in Information Systems. She served

in the US Marine Corps from 1969—1972.

“I think the organizational skills I learned were amazing. It was where I first learned engineering and project

management, which are, even now, the skills of the future. I was also able to complete my education without the

need for any loans or grants. I came out of college 100% debt-free. Not

many people can say that. My favorite memory was that it was fascinating to be the only woman in my unit. I know that a number of women can find this

difficult, but I totally enjoyed the challenge.

My drill instructor, Gunny Gridley was my mentor. I didn’t even know I

could swim and he pushed me to become a very good swimmer. It has been so many years now, and I still love to swim—so he showed me a

lifelong passion.”

Major Johanna “Jobu” Boone, MSN, RNC-NIC is the Charge Nurse and Transporter in the NICU. She has been in the US Air Force for the past 27 years.

“The military helped me grow in my lead-ership and communications skills. It has also given me a world view on social, economic and political issues. My favor-ite memory was the first time I was able to help aerovac a baby from Okinawa, Japan to Hawaii in a C-130. There are many people in my path who have mentored me in some way or another, both enlisted and officers, both men and women.”

Kevin Marchant is our Strategic Sourcing Manager in the Supply Chain. He served from 1985-1988 in the Army as a Air Defense Crewmem-ber. He was in the Army Reserve from 1988—1999 in Medical Equipment Repair (Bio-Med). He was a Specialist E-4

“My favorite memory was landing in Korea for my tour of duty to see all the military in full MOP (gas) gear. I found out later that this was the yearly train-ing exercise.”

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Eldon Screws is the Director of Facilities. He was in the US Air Force

for four years.

“Military service has always been a large part of my life. I was raised in the Army. My best memory is the teamwork

mentality that we all shared. My Father is a retired 23-year Army

Veteran and made the biggest impact on my life.”

Javier Pena, RRT-NPS is in the Respiratory Depart-ment stationed in the NICU. He was in the US Marine Corps for two years.

“Military service helped me to appreciate and cherish life. My favorite memory was when I deployed to Iraq. A few months into the initial invasion, a few friends and I decided to sneak out of camp to meet up with a few old friends in another camp miles down an unprotected road. Thinking back, so many things could have gone wrong getting from one camp to another, but at that time all we cared about was spending good quality time with our brothers we had not seen since before the war began. Needless to say, all went well and

no one was hurt. In the end, our adventurous and crazy decision made for one of the most memorable times during my military service. I will never forget. My biggest mentor was Staff Sergeant Whitcomb. He made the most significant impact on my life during Boot Camp. He prepared me for life in the military and life once I was out. The best part was during graduation when he spoke to me like a friend, not a drill instructor. He made sure that I applied everything I learned to everyday life. Years later, I was happy to find out that my brother was promoted by Staff Sergeant Whitcomb, now known as Sergeant Major Whitcomb.“

Jeff Barding is a Sr. Identity Access Administrator in IS. He served four years in the

US Air Force.

“The military provided me with structure and direction in my

life. My favorite memories were camping with my fellow

Air Force members. I had so many mentors, I

can’t list them all.”

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Steve Orona is our Facilities Supervisor in Plant Opera-tions. He served in the US Marie Corps from 1972-1975.

“The military prepared me for life and taught me how to deal with disappointment. My best memory was working in the Brig at Camp Pendleton. Sergeant of the Guard, Roger Montez was my mentor.”

Victor DeRobles is a Senior Physical Therapy Assistant.

He served in the Marine Corps.

“As a lost and broken teenager, joining the Marine Corps right out of high

school was the best decision I ever made. The Marines provided me with guidance, discipline, self-worth and a sense of accomplishment! I learned how to be a team player, to be proud but not arrogant. I was taught to have strong work ethics, and I developed

strong friendships. I’m forever grateful to the United

States Marine Corps!”

Tony Hsu, (back row, 4th from the left) works in the Bio-Med Depart-

ment. He served in the US Air Force for eight years.

“I was taught the Air Force core val-ues (Integrity, Service Before Self,

Excellence In All We Do), which still guide my actions today. My favorite memory was living in Germany for

two years for free!”

Larry Smith, MHA, RHIA, Director of Health Information Management was in the US Air Force for six years, eight months and 24 days.

“Being in the military helped me understand that no problem or issue is insurmountable. Staying focused on the objective will lead to success. My favorite memories are of the relationships I formed. My mentor was my first supervising Sergeant at Grand Forks, Air Force Base in North Dakota.”

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Brandon Sweeney, BSRC, RRT, RCP, Night Shift Manager in Respiratory Care Services served in the US Army for four years.

“My time in the Army as a medic not only helped me to strengthen my faith but also set me on the career path I am now on today. I have so many good memories, but the first time I was referred to as ‘Doc’ meant a lot because it meant I was trusted as a medic. I have two mentors who were significant to me. Platoon Sergeant, Sergeant First Class Shane Courville encouraged

me to grow as a medic, whatever route that took me. We had things in common before deployment, but after we had even more in common. I worked under Major Tracie Dominguez, PA-C who encouraged me to pursue the clini-cal side of medicine and really challenged me to learn and

do as much as I wanted to do on the clinical side of things. She even wrote me a letter of recommendation for PA school, when that was a path being looked at, while I was still in the Army. I still keep in touch with both of them to this day.“

Elias Sosa, Lead Sterile Processing Tech in Sterile Processing served in the US Marines before being

medically discharged. This picture is from his LAPD Academy graduation. He was

a police officer from 2002 to 2004.

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Willie Morataya is the Dayshift Security Supervisor. He served four

years in the US Navy.

“My most memorable experience was traveling all over the world exploring different cultures, and understanding

how lucky we are to live in the United States as free citizens. I was so young, yet I felt the military taught

me that anything is possible in life with the right determination. We have the

best military in the world and I appreciate all veterans.”

Mercedes Millstein is a clerical Associate in the ED. She served in the US Air Force. She served four years as a Medic in Guam, USA.

Marlene Guzman is an ED Admitting Rep. She was in the Army National

Guard from 2001—2007, she was fresh out of boot camp when 9/11 happened.

Her brother was also enlisted in the Army.

“I had no direction in my life, my Father, sat me down and asked what

my future held. I didn’t have an answer. He encouraged me to enlist in the mili-tary as it would give me a purpose and

new outlook on my life. Boy, was he right! I had to report to my unit one weekend a month and two weeks a year, as per my obligation. I truly be-

lieve the military kept me out of trouble. It has given me the utmost patience for people and the love for problem solving

and helping others. I’m pictured with my Father who was in the Marine Corps in Vietnam from 1974—1976 and then served in the Army Reserves from 1981-2007.

He passed away last August, and during the funeral arrangements we

found out he was a Bronze Star recipient for his deployment on 9/11.

He never told us. He was a true leader and role model. He was a humble lead-er with integrity. I will forever be grate-ful for his wisdom, strength, humor and

humility that he instilled in me.”

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Fe Kenol, Supervisor in Denials Management – Utilization Management

shared her Husband’s story:

Jean Kenol served in the US Army.

“My favorite memory was being able to visit most European countries and appreciate the different cultures. My friend Chico, who is a

Vietnam War Veteran, was my mentor.”

Jose Dino, Scheduling Associate, shared his Son ’s story:

SPC David Dino served in the US Army Airborne Medic for four years.

“The military helped me to see beyond my bubble and experi-ence cultures I would have never been a part of. Outside of get-ting to know my fellow Americans better, I had the opportunity to live overseas and experience those cultures as well. Being able to grow from preconceived notions of the world helped me mold my understanding of what makes a good person, not just for their country but ultimately for themselves. My favorite memory is the first time I jumped out of a plane for Airborne School. Once that chute opened, there was a sense of tranquility and peace for a few seconds watching the Georgia/Alabama tree line, and it was beautiful. Totally a unique experience in seeing the world from a different perspective.

Master SGT Albertson was a fantastic mentor in the fact that he really took me under his wing to help me better understand what it took to lead by example and with compassion. While you will generally get a sense that you learn through hard work and discipline, he understood that people are not the same and was willing to put in the extra work to ensure his soldiers were on an even playing field for personal and professional growth.”

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Chloe Holguin, R.T. (R), ARRT, Radiology Supervisor shared her Father’s story:

Edward Holguin was a Chief Warrant Officer 2 in the US Army from 1969-1971.

“My favorite memory in Vietnam was in May, 1971 when I flew my first mission as the Aircraft Commander of UH-IH (Huey) Helicopter. During an afternoon recon mission, we received an urgent call requesting the immediate removal of two dead and one injured soldier from a valley located between near by mountains. Since we happened to be the only available helicopter, I advised the ground troops

to prepare them for extraction. The only pick-up area we had was straight down, with just enough clearance to maneuver between the tall trees (75’ - 100’). I could not land because of the terrain, so I had to hover 1’-2’ while the soldiers were load-ed inside my helicopter. I then attempted to leave the same way I had entered (straight up). Because of the extra weight (three soldiers and their backpacks), high altitude (thinner air) and very hot weather (over 100 degrees), it appeared that we might not have enough power to clear the trees in front of us. At the last minute, I used all the power I had to jump us over the trees. In doing so, I exceeded the 50 lbs of torque limit on the transmission (used 52 lbs). When I returned to our unit, per S.O.P. the transmission had to be removed and thorough-ly inspected for stress/metal particles. Later that night, as we walked into the Officer’s Club, I was advised that because my helicopter had to be taken out of service (52 lbs of Torque) on my first mission as an Aircraft Commander, I had to pick-up the bar tab for everyone in the club that night. I was also told that henceforth my new call sign would be changed to “52” aka Nickel-Duce.”

Tami Barto, Marketing & Communications

Manager shared her Husband’s story:

Ken Barto served in the US Navy, both active and inactive for seven years.

Deployed to Vietnam from 1966—1968.

“Being in the military taught me to respect

human life. My best memory is the

camaraderie we all had. My mentor

was Lt. Joe Callahan.”

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Birsa Martinez, Payer Reimbursement Analyst at the CBO shared her Brother’s story:

Eric Martinez is serving in the US Marines begin-ning 16 years ago. He recently received the Purple Heart and was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant.

“Enlisting at a young age I was eager to leave home and explore the world. Service to our country has given me a great appreciation for not only the little things, like morning coffee, but morning coffee with family. Traveling to foreign exotic places is no match for the memories made when you are with the ones you love and who matter the most. My favorite memory so far is seeing the Port of San Diego while pulling into port aboard the USS Boxer from a nine-month deployment. Nothing ever looked so beautiful, seeing “home” (and land) after being gone for so long at sea.”

Andrew getting sworn-in (virtually) on October 1,

2020.

Siska Utama, MSN, RN from Education shared her Son’s story:

Andrew Utama has been serving in the Navy for 10 years after graduating from the US Naval Academy in 2010. He was a Naval Flight Officer de-ployed in the Middle East, Africa and Europe with his squadron.

He recently transferred to the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to fulfill his dream of flying and chasing hurri-canes after getting tired of chasing submarines :). His recent exhilarating experience of going through the eyes of hurricanes Delta & Zeta made him feel he made the right decision to further his career in this service.

Andrew after returning from Hurricane Delta.

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Dana Magsambol, RN from 4 Central shared her Husband's story:

Nasser Magsambol served in the US Navy as a Hospital Corps-man for 20 years.

“Military service changed my life, because it taught me

discipline, dedication to duty and helped me strengthen my love of God and Country. My favorite memories are being stationed in Japan and deployments in the Far East. The military mentor that made the most significant impact on my life was my Senior Chief, Joseph Galang.”

Brenda Taylor, Executive Assistant for Nursing Administration shared her Husband’s story:

Dustin Taylor served in the US Marines for nine years of active duty. He was in the military police, special reaction team, crime prevention recruiter and on the Marine Corps rifle and pistol team.

“The military changed my life by teaching me discipline and drive. My favorite memory was re-enlisting on Iwo Jima in 1997 at Mt. Suribachi. My mentor was Sgt. Lindgren. He taught me the im-portance of not trying to impress everyone but to push my-self to be the best I could be.”

Brenda Taylor, Executive Assistant for Nursing Administration shared her

Son’s story:

LCpl C. Taylor has been on active duty in the US Marines for one year.

Leigh Cornell, FACHE, VP of Administration’s Father, Lee Rodriguez:

He served in the US Army in Vietnam from

1967—1970.