Mike McGillis has absolutely earned the respect he is receiving from the staff at the St. Louis Job Corps Center and the Bethesda Meadow long-term care facility.  He first came to the St. Louis Center in 2015 with the intent of acquiring his high school diploma; he admits that at that time in his life he lacked direction and was not a strong student, but he accomplished that goal and quickly enlisted in the Marine Corps where he spent the next four years.  “The Marine Corps was responsible for my development of core values, honor, courage, discipline, persistence and respect for the people who need my help.”  Last year Mike decided to trade in his fatigues for scrubs and he returned to the St. Louis Job Corps Center to enroll in the Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) program.  Unfortunately, the program came to a halt shortly after Mike arrived when the instructor left the program.  Persistence kicked in and Mike began searching for another CNA program in the area; he found it with the Special School District of St. Louis County’s CNA Apprenticeship.  He was able to make the transition and remain a resident at Job Corps.  During the second week of December Mike will take the written and skills evaluations for the state of Missouri to secure his CNA certification and all indications are that he will score well.  He has been a favorite of the Bethesda Meadow staff and residents since his arrival; Charlotte Busch, HR Manager, explained that Mike’s work ethic and his care for those in his charge are exemplary.  Mike knows the tremendous responsibility he has been given in caring for those who cannot care for themselves and he assumes that responsibility with modesty and respect.  Thank you, Mike, for your service to our country in both of your uniforms.