DHHS Employees Honor Military Who Died in Action, Veterans

The Wall of Remembrance created by members of the Medicaid Provider Services team to honor military personnel killed in action and deceased veterans.

June 13, 2017 — Bill Stewart, U.S. Army, World War II. John O. Pratt, U.S. Navy, Korean War. Thad Lewis Wynn, U.S. Marines, Vietnam.

These are among the 80 names inscribed on a Wall of Remembrance created by members of the Medicaid Provider Services team to honor military personnel killed in action and deceased veterans in commemoration of Memorial Day.

The wall in the Hoey Building on the Dorothea Dix Campus in Raleigh was decorated with paper “bricks” and dog tags showing the honorees’ military branch and the war in which they served.

Throughout the week leading up to Memorial Day, employees added the names of close friends and relatives. Administrative Support Specialist Romaine Brown chose to honor her cousin, 21-year-old Darrion Hicks, who was killed in Afghanistan. Provider Services Manager Chaundra Cureton honored her uncle, Tefer Cole, who served in World War II.

The Division of Child Development and Early Education also created an “Honoring Wall” May 26 at the McBryde-South Building, also on the Dorothea Dix Campus. Staff were asked to provide photos of family members serving or who have served in the military for display on the wall, which will remain up through at least the end of July.

The division’s Service & Wellness for Employees Loving Life team held a ceremony to honor 10 staff members who are veterans and 11 employees whose family members are currently serving or have served.

The Medicaid Provider Services team held a similar gathering at their wall on May 26. Provider Services Manager Darryl Frazier led the event, which included a moment of silence. Employees remembered their loved ones and all who fought and died for our country.

The Wall of Remembrance will be displayed indefinitely at the Hoey Building, and the Provider Services team will continue to add names. DHHS employees may contact Carrina Bender at 919-855-4052 or carrina.bender@dhhs.nc.gov to add a name to the wall.