Gratitude: a legacy of service | va birmingham health care | veterans affairs

At the Birmingham VA Health Care System, we are honored to serve the men and women who have given so much to our nation. Every day, we hear stories that reaffirm our commitment to Veterans,

but some moments stand out as a special reminder of why we do what we do. Dr. Stefan Kertesz, Director of the Homeless Patient Aligned Care Team, recently shared a touching encounter that

took place outside the walls of our medical center at the Birmingham Fencing Club. For several years, Dr. Kertesz has faced off against a fierce competitor on the fencing strip, Konnor, a

University of Alabama junior and president of the UA Fencing Club. But a Saturday or so ago, he saw a different side of his young opponent when Konnor arrived with his grandfather, Henry

“Mike” Todd, an Army Veteran who served from 1956 to 1976, including time in Vietnam. After introducing himself, Dr. Kertesz explained the rules of fencing to Mr. Todd and enjoyed a

conversation about his military service. When Mr. Todd discovered Dr. Kertesz worked at the Birmingham VA, his face lit up. “Upon learning that I work at Birmingham VA, he proceeded to

underscore how much he appreciates what we do. He particularly likes the shuttle bus drivers and the commitment of his doctors and staff,” Dr. Kertesz reported.  “He always loves the VA, and

he particularly enjoys the VA here in Birmingham,” Konnor shared later. “It really made his day to talk about the VA.”