A Legacy of Service: A Veterans Day Message from CEO Scott Avery

Today, we honor the men and women who have worn our nation’s uniform—across every branch, every generation, and every place duty has taken them. Their service reflects a commitment to something greater than themselves and a willingness to shoulder the responsibility of protecting the freedoms we cherish.

As a retired Army officer and fellow veteran, Veterans Day holds deep personal meaning for me. I think about the people I served alongside, the bonds formed through shared hardship, and the trust we placed in one another. Through four deployments to Iraq and years in military medicine, I saw courage, compassion, and selflessness in action. Those experiences continue to shape how I lead and how I understand service.

I also think about the families who served alongside us. Behind every deployment, training exercise, and change of duty station were spouses, children, parents, and loved ones carrying responsibilities at home. They endured uncertainty, missed milestones, and long separations. Their quiet sacrifice deserves our recognition and gratitude.

This year, as our nation marks 250 years of independence, we are reminded that each generation has depended on those willing to defend the promise entrusted to it. From those who served generations ago to those standing watch on freedom’s frontiers today, that legacy continues. Freedom is never free, and our gratitude must endure beyond a single day.

Here in Southern Arizona, our connection to military service is part of everyday life. At Canyon Vista Medical Center, we are privileged to work alongside veterans and military families and to care for those who have served. Our ties to Fort Huachuca and the surrounding military community give us opportunities to express our appreciation through our actions—by listening, supporting one another, and providing compassionate, dependable care.

The values learned in uniform continue to serve our communities long after military service ends. Integrity. Accountability. Teamwork. Resilience. Leadership. A commitment to the mission and to the people beside us. I see those values reflected in our healthcare teams and in our shared purpose of Making Communities Healthier.

We carry that commitment forward by supporting veterans, recognizing the experience they bring to our teams and communities, and ensuring they and their families feel valued and supported.

We must also remember that some burdens of service remain unseen. To those carrying the physical or invisible wounds of their service: you are not alone. Your service matters, your well-being matters, and you deserve compassion, connection, and support.

To our veterans: thank you for answering the call, for your sacrifices, and for the many ways you continue to serve. To our military families: thank you for your strength and steadfast support. To those serving today: thank you for standing watch.

It remains one of the greatest honors of my life to have served alongside you. It is a privilege to continue serving our communities with you.

We honor you. We thank you. We salute you.

Scott Avery

Colonel, U.S. Army, Retired

Chief Executive Officer

Canyon Vista Medical Center