My name is Jerry Bloemendaal.
I work in the Environmental Services department. My job includes cleaning rooms, mopping floors and scrubbing toilets. It’s not glamorous, but what we do saves lives and keeps people healthy.
Most days, I feel like just a janitor. But, it’s on the ordinary days that I’m reminded: I’m much more than that.
One Saturday, my assignment was to clean the Emergency Department. “Just a janitor, just another weekend,” or so I thought.
A young child fell victim to an accident. The medical teams did all they could, but the young boy passed away that day.
The Emergency Department was chaotic. Police and family members crowded the space, even out into the hallways. Understandably, people were beside themselves. This is a pain I understand. I too, have lost a child.
It wasn’t long before grief-stricken family members fell to the floor.
“Not your problem,” said the voice in my head.
“NO!” I told the voice. “I am the Guard! I am a Technical Sargent with the 114th TFW. Proud, Professional, Prepared. This is no different than flood or tornado victims.”
I remembered my AIDET Training – acknowledge, introduce, duration, explanation and thank you.
“Hello,” I said. “My name is… how may I assist you?” I’d say as I’d lift them from the floor. “We have a consulting room available, may I bring you something to drink?” I held their arms as I guided them to their space and their privacy. “Are there more members coming? I will be in this area, let me know if I can do something.”
I notified staff what I had done, then pressed on with my “other” work.
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