Stockbridge, Ga. (September 16, 2019) – Blake Dunn, an RN in Piedmont Henry Hospital's Intensive Care Unit, was commissioned as an officer in the United States Navy in front of his colleagues at the hospital last Thursday afternoon.

"It was important for me to have the ceremony here in front of the people I work with,” Dunn said. “We're like a family."

Congratulating Dunn on his commission at the ceremony was Piedmont Henry's Chief Nursing Officer Paula Butts.

"Blake is a great nurse and will make a great addition to the U.S. Navy,” Butts said. “We're sad to see him go, but proud of him." 

Dunn holds several leadership roles at the hospital and has been a valuable mentor for new nurses.

He is excited to start the next chapter of his journey.

"I joined the Navy because I will be able to continue to care for people while also serving my country at the same time,” Dunn said. “Getting into the Navy is a selective process and I believe my time at Piedmont gave me a competitive edge.”