It Starts with Three Questions
By Jason Massengill, M.D., Associate Dean for Military and Veterans Affairs, Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine; Assistant Designated Institutional Official; System Liaison for Military and Veterans Affairs, Premier Health
Do you know a veteran?
Do you work with a veteran?
Is your patient a veteran?
They seem like simple questions. Yet if you hesitate before answering, even for a moment, it underscores an important reality: Veterans are all around us, and we may not always recognize their presence, experiences or unique needs.
Veterans are an integral part of our communities, workplaces and healthcare system. They serve alongside us as colleagues, seek care as patients and contribute in countless ways to the places where we live and work. As Premier Health continues its journey toward becoming an academically affiliated medical center, strengthening partnerships with the military and veteran community remains an important part of that vision.
Our region is home to one of the nation's largest and most influential military installations, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, as well as Reserve and National Guard units and the Dayton VA Medical Center. These organizations create opportunities for collaboration in education, research, workforce development and patient care. By strengthening these relationships, we can expand clinical training opportunities, increase access to specialized expertise and advance innovation that benefits both our health system and the communities we serve.
These partnerships also help us provide more coordinated, patient-centered care for service members, veterans and their families. They deepen our understanding of the unique health challenges veterans may face while ensuring they receive the respect, support and quality care they have earned through their service.
One example of this commitment is Premier Health's Veteran Employee Resource Group, or VERG. This dedicated group educates and supports our workforce while promoting greater understanding of military culture and the experiences of veterans. Its members help strengthen cultural awareness, enhance the patient experience, and support the recruitment, retention and professional development of veterans throughout our organization.
As Veterans Day approaches on November 11, I would like to recognize Rachel Bergman, digital health and technology project manager; Cassandra Casul, associate nurse manager; and Tammy Makela, senior intranet program manager, for their leadership and dedication to veteran recognition efforts across Premier Health. Through their work, both as Premier Health leaders and as veterans, Veterans Day becomes more than an annual observance. It becomes an opportunity to express gratitude, honor service and ensure veterans throughout our organization and communities feel valued and appreciated.
The path to becoming an academically affiliated medical center is shaped by the relationships and partnerships that strengthen our mission and expand our impact. Few partnerships are more meaningful than those that connect us with the men and women who have served our country. By investing in military and veteran relationships, we strengthen our organization, enrich our learning environment and enhance the care we provide to our communities.
So, I will leave you with those same three questions:
Do you know a veteran?
Do you work with a veteran?
Is your patient a veteran?
The answer is likely yes.
Recognizing that reality is the first step toward building greater understanding, stronger partnerships and a deeper commitment to serving those who have served our nation.
Back to the November 2026 Premier Pulse
