I am honored to recognize Patricia (Patti) Watkins for the DAISY Award in recognition of her exceptional dedication, compassion, and commitment to the Veterans of MG-VAMC.

Patti exemplifies the very best in nursing, coordinating not only timely and high-quality care but doing so with a deep sense of respect for each Veteran, their family, and the community care teams involved.

Patti is a steadfast advocate for the services and support our Veterans need. She approaches every situation with empathy and professionalism, ensuring that no detail is overlooked in coordinating and delivering care. Her ability to navigate complex needs while maintaining a patient-centered approach speaks to her extraordinary skill and heart as a nurse.

Her tireless advocacy, integrity, and compassion make Patti a true embodiment of what the DAISY Award represents. She has made a lasting impact on the lives of the Veterans she serves and continues to be a source of inspiration to her colleagues.

I have worked with Patti directly over the past five years in my position as VA Coordinator at Sunshine Home Health Care in Spokane, Washington, in the coordination of skilled home care services for numerous Veterans. The quality of her interactions, caring attitude, advocacy for Veterans, and ability to work with and coordinate care with several agencies in Washington and Idaho go so far beyond the basic standard.

Patti has helped direct me to other resources and contacts within MG-VAMC to help address the needs of the Veteran and their families by addressing concerns while we are working with them, and even once they leave our care. I have even been able to address the needs of my own son, husband, and father as I have learned to navigate the VA system with Patti's help and attention to detail.

My son was transitioning from active duty in the Marines to civilian life when he was home in Spokane on Terminal leave. He learned of the news of the Abbey Gate bombing in Afghanistan and the deaths of two Marines, whom he called brothers since they were in boot camp together. He did not respond well and needed immediate mental health care.

Patti helped connect us to Krista Poor at MG-VAMC, to care at the Urgent Care Center, and his subsequent transfer to Joint Base Lewis-McCord for further treatment. This was an incredible display of compassion, advocacy, and respect for my son and our family in a time of immediate need, and all of us were unsure of how to navigate the VA system.

Without Patti's support and direction, I am not sure how much of a future he would have had. I am forever grateful for her guidance and can truly say that my son is in a better place in life due to Patti's help. My son is married with a child of his own now and working towards his journeyman lineman.

Just like the daisy flower standing tall in any field, bright, resilient, and quietly beautiful, Patti Watkins brings light, strength, and grace to every Veteran she cares for. She is a constant source of calm and compassion, blooming even in the most challenging situations.

Her presence reminds us that true excellence in nursing isn't always loud or grand. It is found in the small, meaningful moments that make a lasting impact.

Patti is, in every sense, a DAISY among us. Genuine, grounded, and absolutely amazing.