Truman VA employee supervisors were presented with donated medals today (Friday) to recognize their work during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Columbia chapter of Medals4Mettle handed out medals and ribbon flowers to the healthcare workers in front of the VA entrance.
Medals4Mettle is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that gives donated medals from running athletes to others that may not be runners but, are running races of their own.
John Korte, Medals4Mettle Columbia chapter coordinator, said that it is important to acknowledge the work of frontline heroes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Recognizing that their run, their marathon, is much harder than the donor’s marathon,” said Korte.
Korte said that over 300 medals were donated by many runners in the Columbia area for this event.
273 Truman VA staff will receive medals.
Patricia Hall, medical center director for the Truman VA hospital, said that it is touching to see the staff being recognized for their work in the last year.
“So, for people to donate them and recognize staff that have been going through this COVID situation for a year is just amazing," said Hall.
Jeff Hoelscher, Truman VA public affairs officer, said that this event demonstrates the importance of the community.
“I think everyone in this community has gone through a lot and an event like today was really meant to honor every person for getting through this public health crisis,” said Hoelscher.