Celebrating dedication: veterans canteen service teams honored by executive leadership | va tennessee valley health care | veterans affairs

Veterans Canteen Service (VCS) teams received recognition for their contributions and dedications in recent coining ceremonies hosted by Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (TVHS) executive

leadership at both the Nashville VA Medical Center and Alvin C. York VA Medical Center. This gesture highlighted the significant roles played by VCS staff in enhancing overall Veteran and

employee satisfaction at VA. When asked about the significance of recognizing the VCS staff with custom VA coins, Edward Payton, TVHS Associate Director for Resources, explained, "The

canteen service is a large part of our overall employee and patient satisfaction."  He emphasized the essential support provided during initiatives like the Christmas Cookie effort,

where thousands of cookies were baked by VCS members to spread holiday cheer across TVHS’ 21 sites of care. The coins serve as a tangible representation of the hospital's profound

appreciation for this partnership. During the ceremony, Payton took the opportunity to explain the symbolism behind the coin, emphasizing the phrase "stronger together," which

exemplifies the VCS team's daily collaboration. The VA coins stand as symbols of gratitude, unity, and the collaborative spirit that makes the VA community stronger together. As TVHS

continues to provide exceptional care to Veterans, these gestures serve as a reminder of the collective impact of every team member's hard work and dedication. Two exemplary members of

the VCS team, Tierra Coleman and Max Beasley, embody the dedication and positivity that Payton celebrated. Coleman, with eight months of service as a VCS retail sales associate, joined VA to

provide kindhearted care to Veterans. Describing her day-to-day work as "fun," Coleman emphasized her joy in helping and serving Veterans, recounting a memorable experience with a

recurring customer who appreciated her small yet impactful gesture. "I love the fact that I was able to help out and make someone’s day easier," Coleman shared, emphasizing the

importance of maintaining a positive attitude and a constant smile throughout the day.  Receiving the unexpected VA coin, Coleman expressed her delight, "It felt really good to receive

a coin. It felt great." Beasley, a dedicated VCS cook, shared insights into his role in preparing meals for hundreds of patrons. Despite his early morning shifts, Beasley finds joy in

providing meals to hungry visitors, noting that their mood changes once they receive their food. During lunchtime, the Alvin C. York VA Medical Center canteen is bustling with patrons

enjoying the food cooked by Beasley and his team. Beasley, surprised by the recognition, expressed, "I wasn’t expecting to receive a coin. It’s awesome, and I have it in my room and

look at it often." Beasley particularly valued his interactions with Payton, describing the hospital administrator as "awesome" and highlighting how he brightened

everyone's day during the ceremony. Reflecting on the ceremony's impact on the VCS staff members, Payton shared, "It was very fun to do this at both campuses. We are a better

facility because of their continued partnership and support!” ​ The recognition ceremony not only celebrated the dedication of the VCS team but also emphasized TVHS’ commitment to fostering

a positive and supportive workplace environment.