Lutheran Health Network Recognizes Veterans Who Serve Now on Medicine’s Frontlines

11/11/2025

As the nation observes Veterans Day on November 11, Lutheran Health Network is celebrating the former military service members who have seamlessly transitioned to careers in healthcare, bringing advanced training and an unmatched sense of dedication to patient care.

“Veterans bring a foundational, mission-oriented mindset that is essential in healthcare. They understand true teamwork, operational discipline and the gravity of selfless service. When I look at those team members, I see people who have already proven they can perform under pressure, adapt to any scenario and prioritize a mission, which here at Lutheran Health Network is the health of our patients. That is invaluable, and we are proud to stand with them each day,” said Dusten Roe, chief operating officer of Lutheran Hospital, who served as a sergeant in the United States Marine Corps.

Military veterans are a vital part of the nation’s healthcare infrastructure, often leveraging specialized training - from combat medicine to logistics and engineering - into civil medical and support roles. Here at Lutheran Health Network, their contributions are irreplaceable.

“At the Brooke Army Medical Center, I underwent residency training in emergency medicine, where I honed my skills in nuclear, biological and chemical warfare. My journey included serving as a flight surgeon, which required rapid deployment to challenging and hostile environments. This rigorous preparation set the stage for my role as an emergency physician in a trauma center. I became adept in out-of-hospital medicine, flight medicine and specialized training in managing mass casualties and threats posed by weapons of mass destruction. These things reflect the harsh realities faced in today’s civilian world. Throughout this experience, I learned the importance of functioning effectively within a team, prioritizing mission-critical tasks, and dedicating myself to a purpose greater than my own,” said Dr. Jack Scott, medical director of emergency medicine at Lutheran Hospital.

Scott goes on to say that the vast majority of veterans have applied lessons learned from hard work, sacrifice and patriotism. The transition from the demanding environment of military service to the fast-paced world of healthcare is a testament to the adaptability and commitment of these veterans, filling essential roles.

“They are productive, highly functional and well-respected members of society,” Scott added.

Lutheran Hospital safety officer and emergency preparedness coordinator, Richard Cummins, spent 19 of his 21 years in the Army as an explosive ordnance disposal technician and a part of the "bomb squad.'

“I don’t feel we are anything 'special.' Most of us don’t. We are everyday American citizens, from all walks of life, races, colors, religions, rich and poor. But regardless of our backgrounds and for all our own reasons, we chose the same path, and through that experience, we all became brothers and sisters. Yes, most of us have seen and done things that 99% of citizens have or will never see. For many veterans, it changed us. It changed how we may think, or how we react to situations, but like everyone else in the world, we’re just trying to figure it out,” said Cummins.

This Veterans Day and every day, Lutheran Health Network extends its deepest gratitude to all who have worn the uniform and especially those who continue their service by caring for our community.

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