From the Navy to Bronson — Continuing to Serve
My name is Mason Hannah. For the past year and a half, I’ve worked as the medical secretary for the Social Work and Case Management department at Bronson Battle Creek Hospital. I’m also proud to serve as co-chair of our Veterans & Allies Employee Resource Group (ERG).
Mason and his Navy Battalion stand in front of a Timber Watchtower they constructed while instructing the Ukrainian Military on how to build one.
Between 2015 and 2020, I served in the United States Navy as a Seabee — part of the Navy’s Construction Battalion where we built and repaired bases, airfields and other critical infrastructure, often in challenging conditions. People often ask what motivated me to join the military. The honest answer is that I just wanted to. Growing up, I had a close group of friends, and we always promised each other we’d join one day. After moving away and losing touch, I later found out we all kept that promise. For me, it was also about doing something bigger than myself. I wanted to push past my comfort zone and grow as a person. Looking back now, it was exactly what I needed at that time in my life.
Mason and a fellow Seabee work on the Timber Watchtower project built alongside the Ukrainian Military.
My time in the Navy had a huge impact on who I am today. I didn’t notice the change right away, but since leaving the service, I’ve realized how much it shaped me. There were difficult experiences, and I still live with some of those challenges, but I’ve learned to grow through the pain. I discovered that I’m stronger than I thought, that I can stay calm in a crisis and that I value structure and routine. Most importantly, I developed a belief in myself that no one can take away.
As my time in active duty was coming to a close, I started taking courses toward a degree in special education. Early on, I found that I was drawn to psychology. Looking at my own struggles, I saw how much mental health can impact us, and I realized I wanted to give back to as many people as I could by working in that field.
Mason’s small Navy detachment holds the Ukrainian Military flag inside their barracks during deployment.
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned since leaving the military is to take care of yourself and one another. Being a veteran can be hard, especially when it comes to mental health. I’ve lost more friends to suicide than to combat, and that reality drives me every single day. You never know what someone is going through. Taking just a few extra minutes to truly listen can make all the difference in someone’s healing journey. I try to bring that mindset to my work with patients and my team here at Bronson.
Being in the military, you learn how to connect with and rely on people who are different from yourself. But when you’re going through something hard together, that bond is automatically there. Putting ourselves out there, not judging and simply being there for one another — no matter our backgrounds — is such a valuable life lesson.
Mason and his Navy detachment on a Ukrainian worksite where they trained local military members in construction skills.
To me, Veterans Day is a powerful reminder that there are people who give up everything to fight for something they believe in. Even though we all have our own goals and differences, we’re still fighting for one another. It’s an unbreakable bond that connects everyone who has served, no matter where or when. I don’t seek out recognition, but when someone says, “thank you,” it means a lot. It’s a reminder of what we were fighting for and who we were fighting alongside.
For the past few years, I’ve spent Veterans Day visiting the VA in Battle Creek to talk with and listen to other veterans. It’s comforting to connect with people who’ve had similar experiences. This year, I’m excited to give back in a new way. As co-chair of the Veterans & Allies ERG, I’ll be helping host a table in the cafeteria at Bronson Battle Creek Hospital to raise awareness about the challenges veterans face and how each of us can support them.
Bronson Battle Creek’s Veterans & Allies Employee Resource Group members — Mason Hannah, Ken Blair, Dr. Ghasham, Steve Polega, and Michael Charleston.
When I first learned about the ERG, it was just starting to take shape. I was approached by Steve Polega, our Chief Nursing Officer at Bronson Battle Creek Hospital, who shared his vision for the group with so much passion that I knew I wanted to be part of it. Since joining, I’ve loved every minute of helping build it from the ground up. We’re working to create a community where veterans and their families feel supported — not just through formal meetings, but through real personal connections.
My hope is that this group continues to grow into a space where people can find what they need most. For some, that may be support or resources. For others, it could be friendship or simply a place to belong. Everyone processes their experiences differently, and I want this ERG to meet people where they are and help them build confidence and connection.
What’s made the biggest difference for me at Bronson is the people. From my team and leaders to the colleagues I pass in the hallway, I always feel supported here. When I first got out of the Navy, I didn’t want anything to do with it. I wasn’t proud of my time because I felt like I hadn’t accomplished everything I set out to do. That all changed when I joined Bronson and found my community. Working alongside compassionate people in Social Work and Case Management, and now through the Veterans ERG, has helped me rediscover that pride and confidence.
I’m proud to be part of Bronson. It truly is an organization that values veterans, patients and employees alike. This is a positive, safe and supportive environment, and for that, I’m deeply grateful.
