In recognition of National Veterans and Military Families Month in November, UT Southwestern honored veterans and active-duty service members at its ninth annual Tribute to Veterans celebration. UT Southwestern is home to nearly 800 community members who identify as veterans. The event celebrated their patriotism and willingness to serve and sacrifice for our country.

During the program, all veterans were invited to stand and be recognized for their service.

Chris Rubio, M.B.A., Associate Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital, provided opening and closing remarks. He also serves as Executive Sponsor of UT Southwestern’s Veterans Alliance Business Resource Group (BRG).

“We celebrate and recognize those who have stepped forward and chosen to protect our country, perhaps more importantly the ideals and principles enshrined in our Constitution. Our veterans are owed our continuous gratitude,” Mr. Rubio said. “Our veterans here at UT Southwestern bring that energy, discipline, and courage to work every day. To all our veterans, active-duty service members, and their families – we salute you.”

The event included a performance of the national anthem by Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s principal trumpet player, Stuart Stephenson.

The event featured the presentation of the colors by the U.S. Army Dallas Recruiting Battalion and a performance of the national anthem by Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s principal trumpet player, Stuart Stephenson. In addition, all veterans were invited to stand and be recognized for their heroic contributions to our nation during a recorded playing of the patriotic “Armed Forces Medley.”

Keynote speaker Dan Sepdham, M.D., Associate Professor of Family and Community Medicine, talked about his military experience and the significance of sacrificing for the common good. For six years, he served as a flight surgeon in the U.S. Air Force.

Keynote speaker Dan Sepdham, M.D., Associate Professor of Family and Community Medicine, talked about his military service as a flight surgeon in the U.S. Air Force.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to have served in the military. As humans, we value service, and what makes military service uniquely different is the level of commitment. These are people who came together regardless of race, creed, or religion and sacrificed themselves and their rights for something higher than themselves,” he said.

At the conclusion of his speech, Dr. Sepdham was honored with a challenge coin from the UT Southwestern Veterans Alliance BRG to thank him for being a keynote speaker. A historic military tradition for over a century, challenge coins serve as an acknowledgment of an individual’s achievements and dedication. They are meant to instill pride and reward hard work and excellence.

An attendee of the event proudly wears a jacket displaying patches from his military service.

Tribute to Veterans was hosted by UT Southwestern’s Office for Institutional Opportunity and the Veterans Alliance BRG. The BRG promotes military and veterans’ support from all military branches for the UTSW community, creating a positive and inclusive environment through increased learning, employee development, and engagement.