Cooper University Health Care is proud to announce that Jim Baca and Samantha Millspaugh have been named the 2024 Armed Forces Persons of the Year for their exemplary contributions to both their military service and their impactful roles within the Cooper community.
Former Hospital Corpsman Jim Baca served in the U.S. Navy from 1984 to 1990 and is Senior Operations Director for the joint Cooper University Health Care/Cooper Medical School of Rowan University Simulation and Clinical Education Center in Camden. His dedication to advancing clinical training, coupled with his leadership rooted in military discipline and strategic planning, has significantly enhanced Cooper’s educational and training programs. Baca also serves part time as a paramedic with Cooper’s Emergency Medical Services.
Former Petty Officer 2nd Class Samantha Millspaugh, MS, CCC-SLP, a speech and language pathologist at Cooper University Hospital Cape Regional, served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1993 to 2000. Her time in the military shaped her approach to patient care, emphasizing resilience, teamwork, communication, and unwavering support for others. Millspaugh’s contributions to the Cooper University Hospital Cape Regional community and her patients are distinguished by her compassionate approach and tireless dedication.
“We are immensely proud of Jim and Samantha, Cooper’s Armed Forces Persons of the Year for 2024. Their unmatched professionalism and exceptional talent exemplify the highest standards of service,” said Kevin O’Dowd, JD, Co-CEO of Cooper University Health Care.
“On this Veterans Day, it is both an honor and a privilege to celebrate Jim and Samantha’s achievements and to extend our deepest appreciation to all Cooper team members who have served our country, whether in the past or present,” added Anthony J. Mazzarelli, MD, JD, MBE, Co-CEO of Cooper University Health Care.
“I am continually inspired by the dedication and courage of Jim, Samantha, and all Cooper team members who have served both our nation and our community. Their commitment reflects the core values we uphold at Cooper, and we are honored to celebrate their contributions today,” said George E. Norcross III, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Cooper University Health Care.
The Cooper Armed Services Person of the Year Award is presented on or near Veterans Day each year. The award recognizes a Cooper team member who is nominated by their colleagues and who has made outstanding contributions to the health system, the community, and the nation in support of Cooper’s mission: To serve, to heal, to educate.
This recognition highlights Cooper’s commitment to supporting the United States Military and veterans by celebrating our team members’ military service as well as their contributions to health care and community service. Earlier this week, Cooper was recognized by the New Jersey Governor’s Department of Veterans Affairs with the “We Value Our Veterans” Award for its commitment to veterans’ causes and support of veterans.
