Veterans Day 2025: Faces of Southcoast

Rich Wilde, RN – Manager, Patient Care | Charlton Memorial Hospital
Co-Chair, More Valor ERG

I was enrolled in a military-based high school when September 11th happened, an experience that instilled in me a deep and lasting sense of duty to my country. From that moment on, I knew I wanted to serve in the military after graduation. Enlisting in the Coast Guard, however, wasn’t something I had originally considered. Growing up in Illinois, where there wasn’t much of a Coast Guard presence, I didn’t realize it was an option. In fact, I already had an appointment scheduled with an Army recruiter before I learned what the Coast Guard really did.

My mom came home one day with a brochure and a video about the Coast Guard. It highlighted all the different missions and career opportunities available. The next day, I canceled my Army appointment and enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard on active duty.

My experience in the Coast Guard had a profound impact on both my life and career. It taught me discipline, adaptability and how to lead and work effectively under pressure. I learned to remain calm in high-stress situations, make quick, informed decisions, and take responsibility – not just for myself, but for those around me.

Serving in the Coast Guard exposed me to a wide range of missions and introduced me to people from all walks of life. These experiences broadened my perspective and helped me grow both personally and professionally. The Coast Guard’s core values: Honor, Respect, and Devotion to Duty have become deeply engrained in who I am, and I continue to carry them with me every day in my personal and professional life.

When I separated from the Coast Guard, I wasn’t exactly sure what I wanted to do next. Nursing wasn’t even on my radar, but as I reflected on what I enjoyed most during my time in the Coast Guard, I realized my passion was helping others, especially during medical emergencies as part of our search and rescue missions. That’s what ultimately inspired me to begin my journey toward becoming a Registered Nurse and continuing my desire to lead others, which has led me to my current manager position at Charlton Memorial Hospital.

Jack Carroll, MD

In September this year, I started at Southcoast Health as an adult reconstructive orthopedic surgeon, practicing in Wareham, MA.

Growing up, I was exposed to the military at an early age with my dad being in the Navy. I have always had a love of country and felt a call to serve. As a senior in college, I commissioned into the US Air Force as part of the Health Professions Scholarship Program and attended medical school at the University of Virginia School of Medicine. Following medical school, I completed my Orthopedic Surgery residency at San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium in San Antonio, Texas. As a resident, I helped care for civilian trauma patients at the Department of Defense’s only Level 1 Trauma Center, in addition to caring for the frequent service members being transported back for definitive care in San Antonio. We had a world-class rehab facility in the Center for the Intrepid. Getting to witness the strength and bravery of our injured warriors on a daily basis was inspiring. 

Following residency, I was permanently stationed at RAF Lakenheath in the United Kingdom with the 48^th Medical Group – a base that is home to 35,000 active-duty airmen and dependents and the largest wing of F-15 and F-35 fighter jets outside of the continental United States. I had the incredible privilege and responsibility of being one of three active-duty orthopedic surgeons in the United Kingdom helping care for our service members, their family members, and our retirees. I experienced tremendous growth as a provider, surgeon and officer while stationed in England. My wife, a civilian Pediatrician, volunteered her time and expertise through the Red Cross and saw clinic regularly in the medical group on base.

In June 2024, I separated from the US Air Force and returned to the University of Virginia for a fellowship in Adult Reconstructive Orthopedic Surgery, focusing specifically on primary and revision hip and knee replacements. My wife and I grew up in New England and were excited to move back to the area with our children.

Our time in the military has reinforced the profound appreciation my family has for service members and their families stationed around the world, protecting our freedom and our nation’s interests. We are forever grateful for those who continue to answer our nation’s call.

Trish Wollner – Manager, Service Excellence & Patient Experience

My son Blake’s path to the military wasn’t the traditional one, especially considering we’re not a typical military family with generations of service. The only real connections he had to that world were through his uncles, Jason and Rob, who occasionally shared stories from their own time in uniform. Toward the end of high school, Blake began expressing interest in joining the military, though I encouraged him to pursue higher education instead. He took that path initially, dedicating three years to earning a degree in forensic science. But despite his efforts, something was missing – he felt unfulfilled, just going through the motions.

What branch of the military does he serve in, and what inspired him to join?
In a decision that surprised many, Blake chose to hit pause on college and enlist in the Air Force that following fall – after three years of college! He served as a Fire Protection Specialist (a firefighter for all intents and purposes), stationed at Spangdahlem Air Base, Spangdahlem Germany. It wasn’t the path we expected, but it quickly became clear it was the one he needed.

Blake felt something was missing during his time in college. He found himself questioning whether that path truly aligned with who he was becoming. The routine of school began to feel empty, and he started craving something more hands-on, impactful, and service-oriented. The Air Force, with its blend of discipline, opportunity, and the chance to be part of something larger than himself, resonated deeply with him. It wasn’t a decision made lightly, but once he committed, it was clear that this was the path where he could grow, serve, and find the fulfillment he’d been searching for.

How has his service impacted your family? 
The impact on our immediate and extended family has been both emotional and deeply meaningful. His decision to enlist hit us with a mix of pride, worry and admiration. We had to adjust to the reality of him being away, missing holidays, birthdays and the everyday laughs that are always so much louder with him included. But it also brought us closer in many ways; we communicate more intentionally, we cherish our time together more deeply, and we’ve all gained a greater appreciation for the sacrifices service members make. His service has shown all of us the strength in following your own path, even when it’s not the easy or expected one.

What does Veterans Day mean to you personally?
Veterans Day has taken on a much deeper, more personal meaning for our family since Blake enlisted. It’s no longer just a day marked by ceremonies or passing moments of gratitude, it’s a day that now hits home. I think of Blake, not just as my son, but as someone who has chosen to serve something greater than himself. It’s a time to pause and reflect on the bravery of those who serve, including someone I love so deeply. It’s not abstract anymore. It’s Blake – and that changes everything.

How do you feel when you see your son in uniform?
There’s something about seeing your child standing tall in a military uniform that hits you in a place words can’t fully reach. I feel proud of the man he’s become, but I also feel the tug of a parent’s heart, knowing the challenges and risks that come with his choice. Seeing him like that, I realize he’s no longer just my son, he’s an airman; part of something much bigger.

What are some proud moments you’ve experienced as a military parent?
As a military parent, there have been so many proud moments – some big and public, others quiet and deeply personal. One of the first was the day Blake left for basic training. It was incredibly emotional, but seeing his courage and determination in that moment filled me with pride. Then came the day he graduated from basic training, and shortly after graduating from the Department of Defense Fire Academy. Seeing him in uniform, standing tall and transformed was surreal. There have also been everyday moments that have surprised me with how proud they made me feel – like receiving a phone call after weeks of silence, hearing the confidence in his voice, or seeing all the amazing travel opportunities he has had while stationed in Europe.

How do you stay connected with your son while he’s serving?
Since Blake isn’t deployed at the moment, staying in touch with him on a daily basis has thankfully been much easier than it might be otherwise, and I don’t take that for granted. We usually keep in touch through text messages, and quick phone calls.  Other times, it’s just a meme or a picture that makes us both laugh. Those light moments mean a lot. We also share photos back and forth, so he still feels connected to what’s going on at home.

What advice would you give to other parents whose children are considering military service?
Listen with an open heart – even if the path they’re choosing isn’t the one you imagined for them. Be there to guide them, not to steer them away from what might be their true calling. And once they make their decision, stand by them. They’ll need your encouragement more than ever, even if they don’t always say it.