Newswise PHILADELPHIA In recognition of Veterans Day this November Penn Medicine proudly sponsors Joining Forces a national initiative to heighten awareness about the health needs of our nations veterans, service members and families, and elevate the role that medical schools, nursing schools and teaching hospitals play in serving their community. Penn Medicine is hosting a reception to launch the initiative and honor their own faculty and staff as well as family members who have served in the military.

Joining Forces was established by First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden to bring Americans together to recognize, honor and take action to support veterans and military families during their service to our country and throughout their lives. Combat to Care, an extension of the national Joining Forces effort, is Penn Medicines campaign to: celebrate the service of our veteran faculty and staff; train our clinicians in the unique clinical challenges of caring for military service members, veterans, and their families; and recruit veterans who have demonstrated inspiring dedication, loyalty, and strength in the service of our nation to join Penn Medicine. Combat to Care acknowledges Penn Medicines commitment to both hiring and retaining veterans, as well as recognizing the over 160 Health System and Perelman School of Medicine employees who have served, or are currently serving, in the Armed Forces in an active duty or reserve capacity.

After this initial launch (150-plus are slated to attend the reception), the University of Pennsylvania and Penn Medicine will continue to host activities, including career fairs and unique educational programs, throughout the year, demonstrating their continued commitment to veterans returning from duty and their families.

WHERE: The Smilow Center for Translational Research 1st Floor, Lobby Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania 3400 Civic Center Blvd., Bldg. 421 Phila., PA 19104

WHEN: Thursday, November 15, 2012 4 PM 5:30 PM Remarks at 4 PM

There will be a dedicated Moment of Silence to honor and celebrate the life of John Pryor, MD the former Trauma Program Director at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania who was killed on Christmas Day 2008, while serving his second tour of duty as an Army combat surgeon in Iraq all US veterans.

4:40 PM The CAPA Concert Choir Patriotic songs a cappella

WHO: Opening Remarks J. Larry Jameson, MD, PhD Executive Vice President, University of Pennsylvania for the Health System Dean, Perelman School of Medicine

Ralph W. Muller Chief Executive Officer University of Pennsylvania Health System

The CAPA Concert Choir The Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts

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Penn Medicine Launches Combat to Care Campaign to Help Our Nation's Veterans