Toolbox for Success

 The Associate survey will be starting in just a few weeks and I want to encourage all of you to take the time to answer the short survey. The second question on the survey asks if we have the equipment and materials to do our jobs. If we don't, it is akin to asking if we have the ingredients to make coconut crème pie while staring into an empty refrigerator. Without basic needs, we would be doomed to failure. Fortunately those who lead our medical center allow for millions of dollars of expenditures each year allowing us to have what we need to accomplish our work.

mThe day after the bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, my twenty year old father made his way down to the navy recruiting station in Mankato, Minnesota. He found himself in a line of men that wound its way around several city blocks. Many, as he did, felt that the navy needed replenishing after its losses at Pearl Harbor. He spent the better part of the next four years serving his country. It wasn't until several Japanese Kamikaze airplanes slammed into his ship, forever putting it out of commission that his service for our country ended.

Over his many years of life, he and I talked at length about his service in the Second World War. I came to realize early, that Uncle Sam provided for the needs of all in the service by assuring the combatants had all they needed to be victorious. Like me, I am sure that many of you had fathers and perhaps mothers who served during that struggle. Stationed just a few hundred yards off the coast of Iwo Jima, he watched as the American flag was raised on that tiny battle scarred island. Sadly, my dad is gone now, as are most of his compatriots from "America's Greatest Generation."

Our work here at Shawnee Mission Medical Center, although it can't be compared to the bitter conflict that happened nearly seventy-five years ago, has daily life and death struggles that we take part in. My hope is that all of you have those items, both menial and life-sustaining to do your work. Keep your leader informed as to what you need so they can keep materials and supply's coming your way.

- Brad Hoffman