Security Training Center® News
October 12, 2022
Everyday Hero: Hospital security guard creates 'Honor Walk' for fallen veterans
LA CROSSE, WI. October 12 2022
The security team at a Wisconsin hospital is doing more than just keeping the hospital campus safe. They have also found a way to honor veterans.
Charlie Hall is a part of the security team at the Mayo Clinic Heath System in Wisconsin. He's going above and beyond the call of duty to honor those who served.
Hall has led a long life of service. He served 20 years in the U.S. Army, served as a corrections officer, and is now serving as a member of the security team at the Mayo Clinic Health System. He said his time in the service meant a lot to him.
"My service is probably the most important thing I've done in my life," Hall said.
And to honor that importance, Hall created the "Honor Walk." It's where a deceased veteran is covered with a flag and gracefully wheeled through the halls while staff and family members fill the wings of the hospital to pay their respects and show their gratitude for the veteran's service.
"Decedents were taken down, and it was kind of low key. So what I wanted to do was bring some honor on that final walk," Hall said.
Hall started the "Honor Walk" about a year and a half ago and has been able to honor dozens, if not more, veterans. He said it is a very surreal feeling while they walk these veterans down the halls and that he knows it means a great deal to their family members.
"It's a proud moment for all of us to be able to participate in this with the family and the staff," Hall said.
Security officer Jack Johnson also takes part in these honor walks. He said he's proud to be a part of something so honorable.
"I feel proud that I am able to do this for them and respect their commitment and sacrifice they gave to this country and to me," Johnson said.
Both officers said the walk is filled with emotion and that pride is one of the most tangible emotions in the hallways.
"It means a lot to be able to deliver this to our patients," Hall said.
At the end of the "Honor Walk," Hall sends the veterans off with one final salute to showcase they are being laid to rest with the respect and honor they deserve.
The security team said they hope to expand these services to fallen first responders too.
Security Training Center® is a professional security guard training company. Our purpose to educate security personnel and organizations in the latest protocols and techniques to keep staff, property and other valuables safe. A proactive approach to security awareness prevents many problems from ever occurring, reducing risk to staff and liability. We teach early identification of potential problems and how to defuse conflicts before reaching crisis. Our staff and advisory board have decades of experience in military, law enforcement, executive protection, private security, defensive weapons and martial arts. Our training programs span the globe and are used on five (5) continents.
Original article posted by Private Officer International. Used with permission.
See Your Article Here!
Want to contribute an article to the Security Training Center® News? Click HERE to read our writing guidelines and submission process.