Lexington Medical Center Nurses to Receive Thank You from U.S. Air Force

WEST COLUMBIA, SC – May 14, 2009 – A group of Lexington Medical Center nurses will receive a special thank you from members of the United States Air Force on Monday, May 18, 2009 at 7:00 a.m. at the hospital.

In February, approximately 20 pre-op nurses put together care packages for members of a U.S. Air Force squadron stationed in Iraq.  The packages went to 1st Lieutenant Michael Dragoon, who is the son of Lexington Medical Center pre-op nurse Rusty Dragoon, RN.  Lieutenant Dragoon has been serving in Iraq since January and distributed the care packages to his unit.  Each package had Valentines and a “movie night” theme containing items ranging from DVDs to popcorn.

Rusty Dragoon said the project got started when her son told her some airmen were not getting mail.  “They were lonely for someone to write to them or let them know they were thinking of them,” she said.  “Michael asked if there was something we could do to help.”

Rusty was overwhelmed with the response.  Despite tough economic times, the nurses put together 12 boxes.  Everyone from the hospital’s pre-op area got involved.

The service members were so impressed with the packages, they have prepared a special Thank You.  They flew an American flag over their base in Iraq in honor of the nurse.  They also sent a medallion, framed picture of the squadron, framed letter from their major thanking the nurses and a certificate to the hospital.  This Monday morning at 7:00 a.m., Rusty Dragoon will surprise the nurses with the items.  In addition, Michael Dragoon will try to call the nurses from Iraq to thank them for their kindness and support.  (The time is early because the nurses begin prepping patients for surgery at 7:30 a.m.)

“I’m very touched and proud of my unit for what they did for these service members,” Rusty Dragoon said.