Meet Dwayne “Cody” Deschenes, one of our team members in our Richmond market. To help us celebrate Veterans Day, he was kind enough to answer some questions about his military service as well as his role with us now.
Check out his responses below!
Q: What branch of the military did you serve in, where did you serve and for how many years?
A: I spent three years with the 1-72nd Infantry Brigade combat team, out of Grafenwoehr, Germany in active duty with the U.S. Army. After that, I spent three years at Fort Benning, GA as part of the 3rd Infantry Division 3rd Brigade combat team. Then it was five years stationed at Fort Wainwright, Alaska assigned to the 1st Battalion 5th infantry Regiment “Bobcats.” And finally, I was stationed at Fort Lee, VA, assigned to CASCOM as an instructor writer. This adds up to a grand total of 15 years of service!
Q: What is your current role with Bon Secours and where do you work?
A: I’m the facilities manager at Bon Secours Richmond Community Hospital. There, I oversee the environmental services, security and engineering departments.
Every day at the hospital is different, and that’s what I love about the job. I’m responsible for providing direct first-line leadership to five team members. But ultimately, I have 49 team members that fall under the facilities manager. I’m so proud how they lift each other up each and every day.
What I enjoy most about my job is being a servant! I have a big heart and love helping anyone and everyone. The faith-based aspect of our ministry runs deep, and you can see it on every team member’s face the moment you walk through the door.
Q: What does Veterans Day mean to you?
A: First of all, I’d like to thank each veteran for serving in some capacity in the military of the greatest nation in the history of the world! Less than 1 percent of the nation’s population raises their right hand to support and defend the rights and freedoms of this great nation. These men and women wrote a check to our country for an amount up to, and including, their life. I celebrate Veterans Day each and every day that I wake up! I haven’t met a veteran that I can’t relate to, and don’t think I ever will.
Q: What are some thoughts from your military service that you would like to share with others?
A: First of all, for anyone in a leadership position of any kind, it is important to display “LDRSHIP” at all times: Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity and Personal Courage.
And secondly, as a leader, don’t ever be scared to get in the trenches with your team members. Roll your sleeves up, get in there and lead by example.
Thank you to Cody as well as all our other veteran team members for your service to our country. Read more stories about our veteran team members and patients.
Also, learn more about the health care services we offer at Bon Secours.
