by James Coulter
Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) Florida Brandon Hospital received an automated external defibrillator (AED) from a local non-profit organization. Now, the hospital has returned the favor by paying it forward to donate an AED to Brandon Veterans Hall.
On Monday evening, Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation (CCF) donated its 47th AED to Disabled American Veterans Chapter 83 in Brandon, FL. Melanie Brown Culpepper Bielke, founder of the non-profit, appeared with her team to install the emergency medical device and offer a brief presentation and demonstration.
Laura Stauter, Director of Communication and Community Engagement at HCA Healthcare, felt the donation was appropriate, as her hospital serves many veterans within the community.
“HCA Florida Brandon Hospital is committed to being a part of our community,” she said. “We are a hospital and community with a large veteran and active duty population. When we think of the things we are most thankful for, we know we wouldn’t have any of them if it weren’t for those who have served. Paying it forward to our veterans is truly an honor.”
Herbert L. Lester Jr., the director assigned to The Disabled American Veterans (DAV), was grateful for the donation. His career of service included 20 years as a master sergeant security policeman of 20 years and an Air Force security policeman and an Air Force recruiter for four years in Ocala, FL. Currently, he serves as the acting president of the Brandon Post and Parks.
“We are extremely honored to have The Culpeper Foundation and Brandon Hospital donate a much-needed Defibrillator to The Brandon Veterans Hall for unexpected emergencies to assist Veterans and Visiting personnel,” he said.
Gloria Golson, Commander of Auxiliary, had been a member of the Brandon Veterans Hall for 19 years. Her deceased husband had served in the Army and spent the last years of his life volunteering at this hall helping Veterans.
She had contacted CCF to have an AED donated to her organization’s facility, especially since they were unable to afford one themselves. She hopes it will be put to good use protecting the lives of veterans like her late husband who dedicated their lives to protecting the lives of others.
“We greatly appreciate Brandon Hospital for thinking of us when the AED machines became available to Brandon,” she said. “We were not able to afford one on our own…[So] I am thrilled, it feels wonderful. I had tried so many organizations and then I prayed.”
Anthony Adams, a proud member of Brandon Veterans Hall for the past year, feels exceptionally honored to have the AED donated to the veteran’s hall through CCF and the HCA Brandon Hospital.
“I pray we don’t need to use however it is better to have it and need it than to need it and not have it,” he said. She [Melanie] is a selfless diamond in the rough. She is also a consummate
professional in presentation and actions. Often you hear people talking about doing. She walks the talk.”
Melanie started CCF three years ago following the untimely death of her late fiancée Michael Culpepper, who passed away from cardiac arrest. Not wanting anyone else to suffer a similar fate, she started CCF to raise proceeds to donate AEDs across Polk County.
Her latest AED at the Brandon Veteran’s Hall was her organization’s 47th AED. Previously, she had donated to local businesses and establishments including Tanner’s Lakeside, The Mission of Winter Haven, and the Winter Haven Boxing Club.
This October, CCF will be hosting its annual Saving Lives Matter fundraiser at Tanner’s Lakeside in Winter Haven. Proceeds will help fund more AEDs to be installed throughout the county and state. For more information, visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/honoringculpepper/
