Newsworthy

As a proud supporter of veterans in our communities, Stormont Vail Health launched an initiative in 2023 to give team members who served the recognition they deserve. We encouraged team members to share their veteran stories to highlight their accomplishments and experiences. Please take a moment to recognize current and former service members by reading their veteran stories.

 

Veteran Stories from Stormont Vail Health Team Members

Angel Romero, Referral Specialist, Topeka Campus

Branch: U.S. Army, Military Police

Rank: Sergeant First Class

Status: Retired

Length of Service: 11 Years (Four Active, Seven Air Guard)

I was a U.S. Army Military Policeman from 1980 to 2003. I was proud to serve my country, spending four and a half years in Germany and three years in Panama. My favorite spot was working at Checkpoint Charlie.

Megan Northup, M.D., Cotton O’Neil Emporia Clinic OB/GYN

Branch: U.S. Navy

Rank: Resigned my commission at LCDR (Lieutenant Commander – O4)

Status: Veteran

Length of Service: 14 Years 

I served in the U.S. Navy for 14 years (ten active and four inactive in the Ready Reserves during medical school). I joined the Navy to attend medical school on the military’s dime in exchange for a commitment to serve four additional years after my OB/GYN residency. But I got more than just free medical school from my time in the Navy.

I spent three years with two different US Marine units, providing primary care to my Marines. This tour brought me out of the insulation of the military hospital and opened my eyes to the sacrifices of our service members and their families.

During this tour, I deployed to the Middle East, leaving for field exercises when my daughter was 15 months old and then finally returning from deployment three weeks before her second birthday. I missed so many milestones in her life during that time. But more importantly, my husband was a solo parent 24/7 for our daughter in a city the Navy had taken us to 1,500 miles away from our family.

One deployment in ten years pales compared to some with more traditional military jobs that may call for three to five deployments in that time. As much as I was sacrificing by being halfway across the world, my husband had the bigger sacrifice, trying to raise our daughter without nearby support from myself or other family.

Six moves and ten years later, we’re back home in Kansas. While pursuing my dream of being an OB/GYN, my personal sacrifices in the military pale compared to those my husband and daughters made.

They’ve given up stability, friendships, personal career aspirations, and higher education, all supporting my dream, my service to this country and the needs of the Navy. So, as we honor our veterans this Veterans Day, let’s not forget that it’s not just the service member who serves but their families who make daily sacrifices for our freedom in this great country.

 

William Johnson, CPT, Topeka Campus Senior Organizational Consultant, Learning & Talent Development

Branch: Army

Rank: Captain

Status: Honorable Discharge

Length of Service: 10 Years 

I grew up in a military family, which instilled a love of the military life at a young age. Due to some early challenges, I could not join the Army immediately, so I became a 6th-grade teacher. Then, on Sept. 11, 2001, my life, like many others, changed forever. Having started the process of entering military service as an officer, I took my oath on Sept. 30, 2001, in view of the damaged Pentagon.

I completed my Master of Divinity through Liberty University and went into active duty service as an Army Chaplain in Sept. 2005. My first duty station was Fort Carson, Colorado, so my family and I moved there that month. I was assigned to an infantry unit before we deployed to Iraq in November 2005.

My Army service was a unique experience that I am incredibly proud of. Each of my duty stations found me deployed to different operations. In my ten years of service, I deployed to Iraq once and Afghanistan twice. I also had the opportunity to station in wonderful places like Fairbanks, Alaska, and Bavaria, Germany.

Still, the greatest honor I had was serving the soldiers, officers and families of our Army. Deployments take a toll on anyone; being able to be there for my soldiers was something I will always cherish.

I exited military service with an honorable discharge on Aug. 1, 2012, but I continue to serve soldiers and families in a civilian capacity. 

 

Jennifer Koalenz, APRN, Flint Hills Campus Labor & Delivery

Branch: Army

Status: Honorable Discharge

Length of Service: 12 Years 

I served four years as an enlisted soldier in the Army from 2000 to 2004. During that time, I trained and deployed to Iraq as an explosive ordnance disposal technician and earned the Senior EOD badge. I worked in a company of all men and was one of the few women at the time to achieve this merit.

As a member of the 725th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company out of Ft Drum, New York, I was embedded with the 101st Infantry out of Ft. Brag, North Carolina. I worked hand in hand with infantry soldiers on several missions and earned a Bronze Star during the deployment.

After my enlistment ended, I used my GI bill to attend the University of Arizona and become an Army RN. After earning my certification, I served another eight years, most of which was in Kansas at Ft. Riley.

I now have two beautiful children, volunteer as a Cub Scout den leader in Ogden, and am happily married to an Army veteran who also served in Iraq. I’m also halfway to obtaining my Master’s in Nursing Education!

I started working in the Flint Hills Campus Birthplace in 2023 as a part-time Labor and Delivery RN. So far, the hospital’s Magnet status and respect for nurses and evidence-based practice resonates with me. I love Flint Hills as it feels like a small community of family that goes above and beyond to care for our patients. Patients and team members are always people to be respected and cared for rather than a diagnosis or a number.

I appreciate Stormont Vail for doing this piece. I usually don’t talk about my time in service because it makes me anxious, but I’ve been doing it more lately because I think it’s beneficial to share. I also hope to show my daughter and other women how strong we can be.

Joshua Lichtensteiger, Security Officer, Flint Hills Security Department

Branch: Army

Rank: Sergeant First Class

Status: Retired

Length of Service: 24 Years

I dedicated over half my adult life to the Army. Now, I work at the Flint Hills Campus as a security officer. I recently retired as a Sergeant First Class on September 30 after 24 years in the Army.

I enlisted in September 1999 and, shortly after, deployed to Kuwait for a training tour in 2000. I saw combat three times during my service: Twice in Iraq in 2003 – 2004 and 2005 – 2006, and once during a 2012 – 2013 tour in Afghanistan.

I held multiple positions of leadership throughout my career. My highest level was 1st Sergeant of Alpha Company 1st Engineer Battalion, which comprised 115 soldiers, and Diehard Main 1st Engineer Company Battalion, which comprised 131 soldiers.

I also filled many specialty positions, including five years as an Army Recruiter and three years as an Army Instructor. As the Equal Opportunity non-commissioned officer in charge, I supported and maintained equal opportunity efforts for a 700-soldier battalion. Additionally, I was the Master Resilience Course trainer for the 4,000-soldier brigade.

Lynn Fergola, APRN, Topeka Campus Director of Maternal Child Inpatient Services

Branch: Army Reserves

Rank: Major

Status: Active

Length of Service: 20 Years

I joined the Army Reserves after one semester of college because I realized it would be very expensive. In 2003, I enlisted and attended the Nutrition Care Specialist course for my MOS 68M. I did some time with ROTC but eventually completed a direct commission to the Officer Core for Nursing in 2009.

I’ve learned a lot from my many leadership roles in the Army, which include squad leader, platoon leader, company commander, Unit Prevention Leader, and Officer-in-Charge. The Army also helped me return to school for my Master of Science in Nursing and Post-MSN Neonatal Nurse Practitioner degree by paying for 80% of my Post-MSN, with Stormont Vail’s tuition assistance program covering the rest.

Stormont Vail’s leadership team has always supported my ongoing duty in the Army and never bats an eye when I have to mobilize or take time off for annual training. I’ve been all over the United States and other countries, including Germany and Japan, for training and missions.

My most challenging mission was mobilizing during the COVID-19 pandemic when my unit helped care for patients at a state hospital in Boston when their entire staff tested positive. I’ve never regretted my choice to join the military, and I plan to stay for another few years!

   

Maxx Stiner, Patient Care Technician, Topeka Campus Emergency Department

Branch: Army

Rank: Medic

Status: Active

Length of Service: 1 Year

On behalf of Maxx, Christie Mull, RN in the Topeka Campus Emergency Department, wrote about Maxx:

Maxx initially worked on the Stormont Vail Behavioral Health team before transferring to the Topeka Campus Emergency Department in 2022. His time as a PCT in the Emergency Department largely inspired and encouraged his decision to join the Army.

Maxx recently returned from basic training to inform us about his upcoming two-year deployment to Germany as a combat medic and shared the kindest compliment:

“After working in the ED, he dreams of returning to the team as an RN.”

Maxx is one of the kindest people I have met. Thank you for taking the time to learn about him – he’s every bit of our tenets and then some!

Tyler Roberts, Security Officer, Topeka Campus Security Department

Branch: Army Infantry

Rank: Staff Sergeant

Status: Retired

Length of Service: 7 Years, nine months

I joined the United States Army on January 21, 2014. I went through basic combat training and shortly after reported to my first duty station.

I was a part of the 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment in Fort Drum, New York and the 18th Infantry Regiment in Fort Riley. During this time, I deployed in two combat tours in Afghanistan: Once from 2015 – 2016 and again from 2018 – 2019.

I also graduated from the Basic Leader Course for sergeants and the Advanced Leader Course for staff sergeants. I was fortunate to receive 23 different awards and am very proud that I served my country.

I’m also pleased to be a part of Stormont Vail Hospital as a Security Officer because it still allows me to serve, but just within the community. This organization has been very welcoming and persistently makes me the best I can be daily. It’s also been a great transition from the military, and I’m very thankful for this opportunity.

Miranda Fowler, M.D., Topeka Campus Express Care Medical Director

Branch: Army

Rank: Lieutenant Colonel

Status: Retired

Length of Service: 21 Years

I joined the Army Reserves before medical school and transitioned to active duty following graduation. I served as a physician in Iraq with the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment and state-side to 75th Ranger Regiment families. I also taught residents at the Martin Army Community Hospital Family Medicine Residency Program at Fort Moore.

I finished my career as a reservist with the 125th Combat Support Hospital with my deployment to Japan and as an Individual Medical Officer Augmentee to Irwin Army Community Hospital at Fort Riley.

Jaime Lavergne, Ambulatory RN, Topeka Campus Primary Care

Branch: Air Force

Rank: E-5 NCO Staff Sergeant

Status: Honorable Discharge

Length of Service: 6 Years

I served from 2004 – 2010 as a linguist and intelligence analyst in the USAF, supporting troops in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

During my enlistment, I was stationed in California, Texas, and Maryland. I actually met my husband on the bus out of boot camp, and we eloped a year later so that we could be stationed together.

I was blessed to be in a small, close-knit squadron; we spent long shifts at all hours together. Despite some difficult times, I genuinely enjoyed my time in the service due to the camaraderie and mutual respect in my squadron. I’m grateful for the benefits of my GI Bill, which is how I became a nurse!

Wes Chaffin, LSCSW, Topeka Campus Behavioral Health Center

Branch: Army

Rank: Army Specialist

Status: Honorable Discharge

Length of Service: 6 Years

From elementary school, I knew I would serve in the military. My older brothers are Vietnam veterans, and I remember getting letters from them and my mom reading them to me as I excitedly listened to every word.

I joined the U.S. Army in 1988 and started with basic training at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Afterward, I completed aviation maintenance school at Fort Eustis, Virginia, which led to my station at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, for Combat Engineer School and, ultimately, my active duty station in Bayreuth, Germany, with the 84th Engineer Company.

While in Germany, my unit deployed to Operation Desert Storm/Desert Shield, and we were attached to the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment VII Corps, the primary combat formation of coalition forces. Looking back, going to combat was a mix of awe from my childhood and fear and wonder as an adult, husband, and soon-to-be father.

This experience is something I believe only a veteran can understand, which bonds each of us. I remain honored to serve in the U.S. Army and Desert Storm/Desert Shield. The experiences of my military travels and the bonds formed with my fellow soldiers will have a special place with me forever.

With mixed feelings, even to this day, my military career ended due to an injury during training that made it impossible for me to perform the duties required as a soldier. After my medical discharge and years of emotional turmoil, I eventually finished college in 2005 with a Master’s in Social Work.

Today, 18 years later, I am a proud member of the Stormont Vail Health Psychiatric Team (BHIT). I loved being a soldier, and I love being a social worker. In the end, I would change nothing.

 

Timothy Kohls, Risk and Safety Specialist, Topeka Campus Emergency Management

Branch: Army

Rank: Sergeant First Class

Status: Honorable Discharge

Length of Service: 10 Years

I joined the Army as a Combat Engineer, then re-classed (changed jobs) to Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD). Upon graduating from EOD school, I was assigned to 630th Ordnance Company (EOD) and 774th Ordnance Company (EOD) as an EOD Team Leader.

Throughout my time in service, I worked with multiple government agencies, including local law enforcement, the United States Secret Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive (ATF), and the FBI. It was my honor and privilege to serve this Country. 1-3 OUT.

Martin Gray, Security Officer, Topeka Campus Security Department

Branch: Army and Army Reserves

Rank: Staff Sergeant (E-6)

Status: Retired

Length of Service: 23 Years

My rank at retirement was Staff Sergeant (E-6). U.S. Army and U.S. Army Reserves. I spent 23 years, 10 months, and four days in service (I had it down to minutes as well, but I lost that paper).

I joined because it’s a family thing, and I wanted to prove to myself that there was more in me than I thought. I’ve been to 12 countries (my favorite was Crete), seen the sunrise over the great pyramids in Egypt, and the sunset over the temple of Ur.

I did three combat tours in the Middle East and met many people. The most memorable one was a Jihadist who fought the Soviets. One person stated that it was a million-dollar experience I wouldn’t give ten cents to repeat. But it shaped who I am today. RIP Dempewolf, Gust, and Andrews.

Cora Ford, APRN, Topeka Campus Neuro Hospitalists

Branch: Air Force National Guard

Rank: Technical Sergeant 

Status: Active

Length of Service: 9 Years

I am a medic in the Air Force National Guard and primarily function as an EMT. Currently, I’m deployed overseas. I have been in the military for almost 10 years now and plan to continue with my service.

Jeffrey Coots, Orientation Coordinator, Flint Hills Campus Human Resources Department

Branch: Army

Rank: Sergeant First Class

Status: Retired

Length of Service: 24 Years (20 Active, 4 Reserve)

I served as an Army Medic and strongly desire to teach and share these skills with others. After a career in the service, I still feel the need to help others. I’m engaged, have two incredible boys, and a fantastic fur baby. I appreciate the chance Stormont Vail Health gives me to work with all the current and future team members.

 

Olivia Williams Carver, Topeka Campus General Surgery/Trauma Services NP

Branch: Air Force

Rank: Staff Sergeant

Status: Honorable Discharge 

I served in the Active Duty Air Force from July 2001 to 2005 at Travis Air Force Base in California. I deployed during Operation Enduring/Iraqi Freedom in 2004 as a medic. Then, I served in the Kansas Air National Guard at Forbes Field from July 2005 to May 2012.

I started my career at the rank of Airman Basic and ended my time in service as a Staff Sergeant. In the Air Force, I was a medic and eventually obtained my Bachelor of Science in Nursing. I’m now a nurse practitioner and proud military spouse.