ALMH employee to be deployed to Afghanistan

[September 25, 2008]  The Lincoln Conference Room at the Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital was full. So full that people were waiting for others to leave so then they could have a chance to come into the room and wish one of their own the very best of luck and blessings.

The gathering fully reflected the ALMH slogan that employees are family, as all came out to wish Brian Hutchinson their best as he heads overseas on Monday.

Hutchinson is one of 3,000 Illinois National Guard soldiers who have been called to duty. His occupational specialty in the military is in generator mechanics. Hutchinson is in the Bloomington component of the 33rd BSTB unit, which is to be stationed in the Kabul region in Afghanistan. His job will be providing security to the area.

Most, if not all of the hospital staff took a moment from their busy duties to stop by. Others not on shift came in as well to pay their respects and give their well-wishes. As the line waited to enter the room, the employees stopped to sign an oversized card. Many added a few thoughts and prayers along with their signatures.

On the wall inside, a constant slide show of a young family of four flashed on a large screen.

What made the send-off all the more personal is that besides Brian being a worker in the maintenance unit of ALMH, his wife, Amanda, also works at the hospital in the medical records department. Auspiciously, the hospital is where the two initially met.

The farewell party had a few unusual aspects to it. Rather than common punch, Brian's favorite was served: Diet Coke. Brian's favorite cake is one with lemon filling. So that is what was offered. And with Brian's favorite flower a yellow rose, the theme of the farewell gathering was "tying the yellow ribbon." The hospital's Employee Activity Committee also had 200 yellow lapel ribbons made up for staff to not only show their support for Brian while he is gone, but also for Amanda, who will continue her job at the hospital.

Brian and Amanda have two children. Hailey is 7 years old and Emma is 3.

When Brian was asked why he decided to join the guard three years ago, he had a simple answer, "It had been something that I just wanted to do," he said. "I have always been interested in the guard and I wasn't getting any younger. So I joined."

When Amanda was asked how she thought she and the two girls would do for the next nine months, she was pragmatic. "Just stay busy with work and with the girls," she said.

Brian has been trying to make sure his family didn't need to worry about other matters, besides his being overseas. He recently finished siding the house and put up a new fence in hopes that there would be little maintenance that the family would be concerned with while he is gone. He even changed all the light bulbs in the house.

Besides all of the ALMH family, Brian's dad, Ken, and mother Carla from Beason and an aunt, Bonnie Kottemann, were there also. Ken quietly remarked that he was proud of his son. Carla said that they already have a nephew overseas, and she frequently sends packages to him. Of course, this time it will be her son who will be getting her packages.

Les Richert, director of plant operations and Brian's boss, said that Brian would be sorely missed. "Brian is a really good employee," Richert said. "Besides understanding heating and cooling, he can do plumbing and almost anything else. He works on the H.O.P.E. Mobile and really can do just about anything."

In a strange bit of irony, Brian's dad, Ken, worked under Les when the two were at PPG many years ago.

As a tribute and inspirational thought to Brian, the hospital staff bought a beautiful engraved silver compass. The symbolism is for Brian to use the compass to find his way back to his family, as well as his family at ALMH.

There is a second reception already being planned at ALMH. The one just over nine months from now, when Brian comes home safe and sound.

[By MIKE FAK, with contributions from JANELL WOOLARD]