Salinas Valley Health Honors Veterans

Media Contact: Karina Rusk
831-759-1843

Salinas has a rich history of honoring veterans, as does Salinas Valley Health. Every Veterans Day and Memorial Day, staff at Salinas Valley Health pay tribute to those who have served in the military with a public display of flags reminding the community of the true significance of these holidays and the service and sacrifice they represent.

Today, Salinas Valley Health staff continue the tradition with approximately 350 flags in front of Salinas Valley Health Medical Center, lining the front entrance along E. Romie Lane in Salinas. In addition, this year the Healthcare System is proud to participate in the annual Veterans Day Parade in Downtown Salinas. The Salinas Valley Health Salinas Valley Health Mobile Clinic, which delivers free medical care to underserved populations, including veterans, will represent the organization.

“As an army veteran myself, I could not be more proud of our staff who take a personal interest every year in paying tribute to the military men and women who have served our country with honor,” says Pete Delgado, President/CEO of Salinas Valley Health. “I’m especially gratified this year to share the inspiring story of one of our physicians, Dr. Pablo Romero-Beltran’s journey includes immigrating from Mexico, working in the Salinas agricultural fields and serving his country before serving our community as a physician.”

Pablo Romero-Beltran, MD, is a U.S. Army veteran and family medicine physician. Dr. Romero-Beltran came to the United States as a teenager. His journey toward achieving the American Dream started with him working in the agriculture fields of Salinas picking broccoli. Later on, he enlisted in the Army, learned to speak English and eventually attended medical school. He graciously agreed to share his story in a podcast created for a special Veterans Day post on Salinas Valley Health social media channels.

“To Dr. Romero-Beltran and many of our staff who have served in the military, we thank you,” said Delgado. “I am honored to stand with you and as a united healthcare team, we are proud to publicly remember and honor veterans everywhere.”