Saint Alphonsus CEO Named Honorary Commander for National Guard's 124th Medical Group

Rodney Reider Named Honorary Commander for National Guard's 124^th Medical Group

President and CEO of Saint Alphonsus Health System Rodney Reider was recently inducted as an honorary commander in the 124^thFighter Wing of the Idaho National Guard through the Gowen Strong initiative. Rodney represents Saint Alphonsus' commitment to past and current members of the military, and participated in an induction ceremony at Gowen Field. He was given a tour of the fighter jets, infrastructure, participated in a flight simulation, and most notably, was witness to the teamwork and servant leadership prevalent amongst the airmen and other military personnel.

"All of them were so dedicated – from loading on the supply chain, to the number of the physicians and nurses that were there," Rodney said. "I was extremely impressed with their professionalism." During one moment at the induction ceremony, Commander for the 124^th Medical Group and physician Colonel Brandon Isaacs asked those attending the ceremony to stand if they had been trained, associated, or treated by Saint Alphonsus. "Every person amongst the many that were in attendance stood in recognition of the impact that Saint Alphonsus has made in the community and in their lives," Rodney noted. "I was quite touched, as it showed just how large of an impact our colleagues make each day."

Colonel Isaacs then explained how much Saint Alphonsus meant to the Idaho National Guard members personally, professionally, and as an organization. Rodney was sworn in and presented with an American flag, along with a unit coin and certificate. "Although I was the one inducted as an honorary commander, this honor is representative of the work that all of our colleagues do for our patients and communities. I have a special appreciation for our colleagues that serve in our armed forces – as they not only care for our patients, but protect our country as well."