It is with great pleasure that I nominate Judith Poole Ramsay, RN, for the prestigious DAISY Award. She is a beacon of commitment, compassion, and the VA mission, both within and beyond the clinical environment. Her exemplary service to over 1,200 Veterans as part of the Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) Women's Health team epitomizes the importance of this role and its fundamental contribution to patient-centered care.

Judith's meaningful difference extends beyond the clinic walls, and I would like to highlight some of these efforts!

Judith's commitment to the VA mission is reflected in her myriad community-centered activities and initiatives. She has been at the forefront of implementing the "Buddy Brigade," organizing events within Lakeland and Plant City communities aimed at fostering camaraderie and support among Veterans. This initiative exemplifies her dedication to ensuring Veterans feel recognized and supported beyond the clinical walls.

Moreover, Judith's leadership on the planning committee for the Plant City Veterans Day event for the past two years has been nothing short of remarkable. She has worked tirelessly to honor local Veterans, as well as VA staff from the Lakeland OPC. Her coordination efforts have galvanized the largest group of volunteers for the event (all from the Lakeland OPC), demonstrating her exceptional ability to inspire her colleagues.

Judith's involvement extends further to the annual Wreaths Across America event, where she has coordinated clinic participation for three consecutive years. Her dedication to honoring Veterans by placing wreaths on their graves and recognizing each individually resonates deeply within the community. Her compassion and reverence for those who served are profoundly impactful.

Judith's dedication reached new heights when she served as a guardian on an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. in June 2025. She accompanied a Vietnam War Veteran, providing support and companionship as they visited significant monuments such as Arlington Cemetery and the Vietnam Memorial.

During this trip, Judith located and photographed her coworker's father's name on the Vietnam Memorial Wall with a fellow Vietnam Veteran standing beside the name in honor. This moment, shared during an interdisciplinary meeting, moved everyone to tears, highlighting the deep emotional impact of Judith's actions.

Another highlight this year was Judith's organization of a team to participate in the Lakeland Warrior Walk. This event specifically honors those who made the ultimate sacrifice during Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). Judith's initiative to partake in this walk underscores her unwavering respect and admiration for the sacrifices made by our service members.

Judith's selfless dedication to our Veterans and her embodiment of the VA mission, both in and out of the clinic, make her an excellent candidate for the DAISY Award. Her contributions deeply touch the lives of those she serves, embodying the essence of nursing excellence and compassionate care.

Her commitment to honoring Veterans, fostering community relationships, and enhancing the care experience is truly inspiring. We are immensely proud to recognize Judith Poole- Ramsay for her outstanding service and leadership.