Nurse Joe Herndon is known as Sam Rayburn Memorial Veterans Center’s walking encyclopedia of knowledge and organizational history. And his patients sing his praises.
“I love coming to VA to see Joe because it’s more like visiting a friend than coming to an appointment,” said Arthur Finley, Jr., Army Veteran and longtime patient.
When you spend 52 years of your life serving service members and Veterans, the unofficial title and comments are well-earned.
Herndon started his health care career in 1971 as an Air Force nurse, serving 12 years in Spain, Fort Worth, San Antonio and in California, where he supported NASA and the first eight space shuttle landings with medical support at the Edwards Air Force Base Rodgers Dry Lake facility.
Leaving active military service in 1983, Herndon sought a new challenge that would allow him to focus on patient care and the organizational environment—and not just numbers and metrics. He found that new opportunity with VA in Bonham, Texas.
“VA health care is about the people.”
“Our patients need and require our caring and empathy,” said Herndon. “VA health care isn’t all about numbers. It’s about the people who gave so selflessly to our nation.”
During his many years of service to VA, Herndon chose to remain in hands-on patient care and education rather than continue on a senior management career path. His dedication has resulted in many profound coworker connections and a strong organizational environment that has benefited from his knowledge, experience and mentoring.
“Joe’s insight and efforts are invaluable to VA North Texas,” said Glenn Creswell, North Texas nurse and Herndon’s supervisor. “When you have decades of experience like Joe, you help the organization move past obstacles and better prepare professional caregivers to deliver the very best health care to patients.”
Herndon has changed many lives during his nearly 40 years with VA, including his own. He met his wife Beverly, a 37-year Veteran of Sam Rayburn VA, on the job 26 years ago. After 52 years of military and VA service, Herndon has no plans to retire. “I love what I do and am very content. Why would I retire?”
Topics in this story
More Stories
Veteran and social worker Gordon Roberts received the Medal of Honor for “Gallantry in Action” in Vietnam.
“Patient Safety values and practices are used to prevent harm and learn from our mistakes. They drive what we do and how we do it.”
Pacific Islands VA opens new Akaka clinic in Kapolei, bringing a variety of VA services to Oahu’s leeward side
Thank you Joe!
Joe is a great man! He has always lead by example and puts the patient first. Thanks for all your service Mr Herndon
Joe is undoubtedly one of the finest individuals that I’ve ever worked with and known. I have known Joe since 1988 and worked with him at the Bonham VA for several years. He is a Godsend for the Veterans.
I came late to VA in my career as a RN. VA Is a special place. To serve and work with Veterans was the best job I had. When President Lincoln writes your mission statement, it doesn’t get any better.
What a refreshing story of true military service dedication and heroism. Go Joe!
Now that to me, is living the dream. Doing what you love and giving back to your community at the same time. The va has came a long way and has some fantastic people in it. Sure you get a few bad apples but you get alot of these too.