FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 27, 2012

CONTACT:   Fiona Libsack, vice president of marketing and communications
libsackf@gprmc.com  l  Cell: 308.660.6658 l Office: 308.696.7498

Local soldier honored at Great Plains Regional Medical Center’s Taste of Great Plains event

Local ENT, Dr. Roger Simpson, presents Greg Nielsen, Great Plains Regional Medical Center chief executive officer, with the flag that flew over Mike Spann Army Base where Dr. Simpson was stationed.

North Platte, Neb. Great Plains Regional Medical Center and NebraskaLand National Bank recently celebrated America and North Platte Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist, Dr. Roger Simpson, for his military service.

Each quarter, Great Plains Regional Medical Center hosts the Taste of Great Plains event to celebrate the many countries from which Great Plains Regional Medical Center physicians hail.

This week’s event featured the United States, spotlighting Dr. Simpson, a Major in the Nebraska Army National Guard, and his three month tour of duty in Afghanistan. NebraskaLand National Bank employees were on-hand to cook more than 600 hamburgers and 300 hot dogs, a tribute to American cuisine.

“We are very proud of the level of diversity that the medical providers and employees of Great Plains Regional Medical Center bring to North Platte,” said Greg Nielsen, Great Plains Regional Medical Center chief executive officer. “In the past, we have celebrated many countries such as Brazil, Pakistan and Serbia. This month, we felt it was important to pay tribute to the United States and to honor and thank Dr. Simpson for his service to our country.”

From May to August of 2012, Dr. Simpson took time away from his medical practice in North Platte to care for American soldiers stationed in the northern section of Afghanistan. While there, he treated a wide range of conditions including orthopedic fractures, scorpion bites, dehydration, flu-like symptoms, stroke and back injuries caused by the 45 pound body armor worn by many of the soldiers.

“I had served many tours of duty in the past, including a 14-month assignment in Korea from 1975-1976, but this one was different, said Dr. Simpson. “We were very well received and so many people welcomed us home upon our return. The prayers I received from this community were heart-warming and made me feel so good. The staff at Great Plains Regional Medical Center even sent me care packages while I was there. It was so nice to be remembered.”

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