Peconic Bay Medical Center unveils new ‘Team Veterans’ wall

Peconic Bay Medical Center unveiled a new “Team Veterans” Wall on Tuesday to honor 14 current workers who served in the military.

The display on the first floor of the Riverhead hospital features small plaques carrying the names of the employees scattered over a giant American flag.

“When their time in the military ended, they chose, once again, to serve; this time in the halls of healing in their own hospital,” PBMC CEO Arthur Crowe said during the Veterans Day event. “Caring for patients, supporting families, mentoring colleagues and strengthening our community, they exemplify the very best of our values: integrity, teamwork, compassion and excellence.”

As the tape and paper covering the display were taken down, the first-floor hallway was packed with veterans, colleagues and the hospital’s Veterans Committee, which erupted with claps, cheers and smiles.

The area for the tribute was chosen because, as Chaplain Deborah Miller joked, it’s where everyone stops to ask for directions.

Chaplain Miller said that people will be able to look around, see the wall, and be reminded of the values that guide them in their service and the employees in their work.

Richard Belfer, senior manager of facilities management and Marine Corps Reserve Master Sergeant, said the dedication was vital to the hospital’s mission of wanting to further recognize its veterans.

“This is an addition that embodies respect, gratitude and enduring recognition for our team members who have served our country, who are here to officially unveil and dedicate our new Team Veterans Honor Wall,” Mr. Belfer said. “To see it evolve from a hopeful concept to the magnificent reality you see here today is incredibly rewarding, but like any significant undertaking, it wouldn’t be possible without some critical support and belief.”

The star-spangled wall will only be the beginning at PBMC. Mr. Belfer said a program will be created that will allow the recognition to grow in the years to come.

“We want it to be more than just names. We want it to be a true embodiment of who we are as the organization and as Peconic Bay,” he said. “We are a service-driven culture, committed to compassion, excellence and community.”