As our nation marked the 20th anniversary of September 11th, Lexington Medical Center produced a video to express heartfelt gratitude to the first responders and military heroes who protect our community and our country each day. The video features photos of local veterans and first responders as Command Sergeant Major Lamont Christian reads a poem written by Roger Robicheau titled “The American Hero.”

We thank all veterans and first responders, including those featured in the video:

George Rentz
Mr. Rentz is a decorated World War II veteran. He served as a paratrooper during the Battle of the Bulge and earned a Purple Heart during his service.

Lamont Christian
CSM Lamont Christian is the former command sergeant major at Fort Jackson. Now the director of the Warrior PATHH program at the Big Red Barn Retreat, he helps veterans in our community who suffer from post-traumatic stress.

Richland County Sheriff Deputies
Master Deputy Perez and Captain Brown are both members of the Community Action Team with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department.

West Columbia Firefighters
Andrew Hershelman, J’Quan Allen and Captain/EMT Brad Shirer are all firefighters with the West Columbia Fire Department.

Lexington County EMS and 9-1-1 Dispatch
Lexington Medical Center took photos of EMS paramedics and 9-1-1 operators at the Department of Emergency Services office and inside the Lexington County Communications Center.

Gerald R. Fortuna Jr., MD
Dr. Fortuna is a vascular surgeon with Lexington Medical Heart and Vascular Center. He recently retired from active duty as a colonel in the United States Air Force after 30 years of military service.