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vahosa.org Web Articles
Lieutenant Jason Redman Speaks at VA State Conference |
| Submitted by: Kelly Peters | Date: 07/14/2009 |
| School: Virginia HOSA State President | This year’s Virginia HOSA State Leadership Conference consisted of many wonderful competitions, speakers, and workshops. The most memorable part of the weekend was definitely our keynote speaker, Lieutenant Jason Redman. Lieutenant Redman graduated for Old Dominion University and has been a part of the United States Navy since September 11, 1992. He has been awarded with many personal decorations, such as the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Joint Service Achievement Medal, five Navy Achievement medals, and two Combat Action Ribbons.
Lieutenant Redman has dedicated his life to serving his country and has given much of his time to support the global war on terrorism. He has been deployed several times and was recently wounded while deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Lieutenant is currently in rehabilitation from injuries to the face and shoulder. He has undergone numerous reconstructive surgeries and has spent months in the hospital.
Even through all of this, Lieutenant Redman is far from finished serving his country. instead of letting his injuries slow him down, the Lieutenant uses his experiences as a severely injured soldier to inspire and motivate others. He recently started a charity called Wounded Wear. It promotes awareness on a nationwide level of the sacrifices that wounded soldiers have made for the sake of America’s freedom. The charity also gives wounded soldiers and their families support and a sense of strength and determination.
Lieutenant Redman travels all over the country speaking to different groups about his experiences, so we were very lucky to have him at our State Conference. As lieutenant Redman told his story, the eyes and hearts of each person listening opened and were filled with understanding and gratitude, gratitude for the men and women who give their lives and time for OUR freedom. Tears filled the room as he told of how he was separated from his family for months at a time and the pain he went through in the defense of freedom. Each person was moved in their own way as he spoke.
Lieutenant Redman continued to amaze everyone as he told of how proud he is to wear his scars that he so courageously got in Iraq. He told of how grateful he is to all of the men and women in the healthcare profession. If not for them, VA HOSA would not have been given the honor of hearing his incredible story.
Lieutenant Redman even thanked us, as students going into various careers in medicine, for all the lives we will save. Virginia HOSA was fortunate to have one of our country’s heroes at our Conference. Lieutenant Redman touched many lives through his inspirational outlook on life. His story has made footprints in the heart of HOSA, and it will never be forgotten.
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