Registered nurse Rebecca Padgett, center, receives her retirement certificate from Jim Rice, director of the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center Director after serving veterans for 36 years at the Iron Mountain facility. Also shown is Andrea Collins, right, associate director for nursing and patient care.

IRON MOUNTAIN – Rebecca Padgett of Faithorn retired March 27 from the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center in Iron Mountain.

Padgett was born and raised in Florence, Wis., and graduated from Bay College with an associate degree in nursing. She started her VA career at Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center on Jan. 8, 1984, as a licensed practical nurse.

In 1987, Padgett was selected for the upward mobility program and went back to college to become a registered nurse. She was charge nurse on the inpatient ward for many years before transferring to an outpatient clinic. In 2007, Padgett was selected to be a case manager for veterans who participated in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, where she helped more than 3,000 transition from active duty and get the care and they earned and deserved.

Padgett has received many awards during her tenure, including Employee of the Month, Federal Women’s Program Outstanding Achievement Award, and the Hearts and Hands Award, the latter being the highest honor of her career.