This Veterans Day, Spartanburg Regional leaders and associates express gratitude and thanks to veterans across the system who have served or are serving in the armed forces to give back to this country and our communities. 

Their hearts of compassion, bravery and sacrifice translate directly into hospital rooms and doctors’ offices. We see this in the way these veterans provide care, offer hope and express dedication alongside patients and their families on their health journeys. 

More than 350 associates have military backgrounds, choosing to work in health care following their time in the armed forces.  

Read the perspective of Cherokee Medical Center Chief Nursing Officer Tim Fagan, whose time in the military prepared him for the way he now serves patients and fellow associates. 

Q: What drew you to enlist in the armed forces? 

Fagan: I joined the military initially to have someone pay for college. I am the oldest of six, so the finances were not there to send me to school. I tried working in a factory, and it did not suit me as a career. I grew up as a military brat, so I travelled all over the world with my father as a kid and enjoyed the adventure.  

Q: How long did you serve? 

Fagan: I served four years in the Marine Corps, stationed in Beaufort, got out and went to school in Illinois on the GI Bill. I graduated, but there were few employment opportunities available at the time. The Air Force was offering a competitive salary and credit towards retirement for enlisted time served. So, I retired in February 1999 with 18 years, eight months and four days served. 

Q: What experience(s) from your service in the military prepared you for your current role at Spartanburg Regional? 

Fagan: From the beginning in the military, I had opportunities to serve in leadership roles. There was an expectation you would become an expert in your area and use that skill to teach and lead others. Due to the unique nature of medicine in the military, I had the opportunity to experience combat/field/mass casualty patient care and management, as well as peripheral processes that coordinate with healthcare resources.  

Q: Are there certain skills you learned from the military that you continue to use in your current role? 

Fagan: There are many leadership and people management skills I acquired in the military that serve me well to this day. Having respect for your employees while holding them to a high standard, as well as ensuring they have the tools to do their job to their best ability are some of the most important. 

Q: What is one thing you want others to know about your time in the service? 

Fagan: One thing I want others to know is that my military experience was a great training ground as well as a place to develop close relationships with peers. It was a job, but it also felt like there was a bigger purpose to it; more than a paycheck. 

Read how other veterans at Spartanburg Regional look back on their time in the service:  

"I wanted the opportunity to serve and be a part of something bigger than myself and saw opportunities to participate in ‘boots on the ground’ disaster relief and other humanitarian efforts. I am humbled and grateful to have had the opportunity to serve alongside (and follow in the footsteps) of some of the greatest, most selfless, hardworking and courageous men and women.”   

Dr. Catherine Davis 

Cherokee Medical Center – Center for Pediatrics 

Active Duty: 2014-2021 

“The events of 9/11 in 2001 inspired me to join the U.S. Army, so I enlisted after high school graduation. As an Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran, I am proud of my military service. It afforded me the opportunities for personal and professional growth, a way to pay for my bachelor's degree, and I made lifelong friends who have become family.” 

Deana Rezkalla Kinder 

Spartanburg Medical Center – Mary Black Campus, Laboratory 

Active Duty: 2004-2008 

“I was a big daddy's girl, and I wanted to be just like him. He was in the U.S. Army, and I wanted to follow in his footsteps. I joined the U.S. Army at 18, a month after graduating high school. I was deployed overseas at age 19, which was scary but worth it. I met so many people and saw parts of the world that I probably wouldn't have seen otherwise. But overall, it takes a great mindset and willpower. You can do it.” 

Quanita LaFaye Autrey 

WorkHealthySC 

Active Duty: 2001-2006 

“I wanted to serve my country and save my parents from having to help me pay for college.  

It was worth it. I met some amazing people from all over the world.” 

James Pinnell 

Security 

Active Duty: 14 years 

“I enlisted in the U.S. Army because it is like joining the family business. My father and grandfather had also enlisted. I love my country and was (and still am) willing to give my life for our country and its citizens.” 

Jeffrey Whitner 

Information Technology 

1997-2014 

 
“I felt like I wanted to do more with my life, and I wanted an opportunity to travel and see the world. 

I want others to know that I served my country proudly, and I would do it again if I had a chance. I do not have any regrets.” 

Tara C. Jackson Price 

Employee Health – Spartanburg Medical Center 

Active Duty: 1995-2015 

“It was a somewhat spontaneous decision to join the U.S. Army, but the Marine Corps recruiter intercepted me prior to getting to their office. Upon completion of my Marine Corps service, I returned home, attended nursing school and was later accepted to serve in the U.S. Navy Nurse Corps upon graduation. It was an overall positive adventure that helped guide me through life.” 

Jason Dean 

7 Tower – Spartanburg Medical Center 

Active Duty: 2000-2007 U.S. Marine Corps, 2011-2020 U.S. Navy 

“For me, I just had a calling to serve. I learned basic respect for others. Interactions with different people and different backgrounds prepared me to work well in a hospital setting.” 

Samuel Joseph Driggers 

7 Tower – Spartanburg Medical Center 

Active Duty: 2019-2023 

“Many people join the military because they want to test themselves. The military presents you with mental and physical challenges, and I took this opportunity to improve myself and push past my limits along with caring on a family tradition.” 

Nehemiah Chandler 

Guest Services 

Active Duty: Currently serving 10 years