(Camden and Cape May Court House, NJ) – Cooper University Health Care proudly announces the 2025 Armed Forces Persons of the Year honorees, recognizing outstanding Cooper team members whose military and civilian service exemplify dedication, integrity, and compassion. Winners of the award are nominated by their colleagues.
This year’s recipients include Dana O’Donnell from Cooper University Hospital Cape Regional and co-honorees Dennis Perez and Erasmo “Rico” Rivera from Cooper University Hospital in Camden.
The honorees were recognized during Cooper’s annual Veterans Day celebrations, with ceremonies held at both Cooper University Hospital Cape Regional on Monday, November 10, and Cooper University Hospital in Camden on Tuesday, November 11. The celebrations are among Cooper’s most honored Veterans Day traditions, bringing together team members, veterans, and active military members to recognize those who have served our nation and continue to serve through their work in health care.
Dana O’Donnell, a histotechnologist in the Laboratory Department, served in the U.S. Naval Reserve from 1974 to 1994, retiring with the rank of Chief Hospital Corpsman. A Vietnam War and Desert Storm veteran, Dana’s lifetime of service – both military and civilian – perfectly embodies Cooper’s values of inclusion, “inclusion, compassion, and excellence. Her 20 years in the Navy instilled in her a deep sense of discipline, attention to detail, and commitment to serving others – qualities she brings daily to her work at Cooper University Hospital Cape Regional. Beyond Cooper, Dana is active in the community, volunteering with the American Heart Association and the annual Shore Run for Nurses, and serving in leadership roles with the Little Egg Harbor Al-Anon Families and Friends Group.
Dennis Perez, manager of ambulatory security operations in Cooper’s Security Department, is a U.S. Army veteran who consistently demonstrates servant-leadership both at Cooper and in the community. Known for his mentorship of new security team members, Dennis embodies the Army’s tradition of camaraderie and “never leaving a teammate behind.” His presence provides reassurance to patients, families, visitors, and staff alike. Outside of work, Dennis is active with the Flyers Warriors Hockey Program, supporting fellow veterans recovering from both visible and invisible wounds.
Erasmo “Rico” Rivera, trauma technician in the Cooper Trauma Center, serves in the U.S. Air Force Reserve. Widely praised by his colleagues, Rico is known for his compassion, teamwork, and tireless commitment to patient care. He works every weekend to accommodate his wife, who is also active-duty military, while caring for their two young children. Described as a “beacon of light” on the Trauma Admitting and Trauma Intensive Care Unit teams , Rico is currently pursuing his Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) while serving in the reserves and working full time.
“The service and sacrifice of these remarkable Cooper team members inspire us all and remind us of the deep connection between service to country and service to community,” said George E. Norcross III, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Cooper University Health Care. “As a health system, Cooper greatly values the contributions of veterans and active-duty military personnel — not only for the sacrifices they have made, but for the strength, leadership, and sense of purpose they bring to our organization each day. Supporting our military heroes and their families is, and will continue to be, an essential part of who we are at Cooper.”
“Cooper holds military service and our military team members in high regard because of their commitment to serving others. Each of this year’s honorees reflect Cooper’s mission – to serve, to heal, to educate – through their military service, their daily work, and their leadership within our health system and their communities,” said Anthony J. Mazzarelli, MD, JD, MBE, co-CEO of Cooper University Health Care.
“On Veterans Day, and throughout the year, Cooper has a longstanding tradition of honoring those who have served our nation in the military,” said Kevin O’Dowd, JD, co-CEO of Cooper University Health Care. “This year’s Armed Forces Persons of the Year, Dana, Dennis, and Rico, represent the compassion, professionalism, and dedication to serving others that both military service and Cooper’s mission embody.”
This year’s ceremonies also featured the presentation of a new honor — the Congressional Champion for Military and Veterans Award — recognizing elected officials who have demonstrated outstanding advocacy for service members, veterans, and their families. Congressman Donald Norcross was recognized at the Camden event and Congressman Jeff Van Drew received the award at the Cape Regional ceremony.
Established in 2018, the Cooper Armed Forces Person of the Year Award is presented annually near Veterans Day to recognize Cooper team members who have made exceptional contributions to the health system, their community, and the nation.
This recognition underscores Cooper’s ongoing commitment to supporting the United States military and veterans, celebrating team members’ service to the country and their impact on health care and the community.
Dennis Perez
Erasmo “Rico” Rivera
Dana O’Donnell