Canyon Vista caregiver earns Lifepoint award
When Sierra Vista resident Kristina Perez talks about her journey at Canyon Vista Medical Center, she does so with a deep sense of gratitude and faith.
Selected as the 2025 Canyon Vista Medical Center recipient of Lifepoint Health’s prestigious Mercy Award, Kristina traveled to Nashville, TN in September to represent the hospital at an enterprise-wide celebration — an honor she describes as “a blessing I never imagined.”
“First and foremost, I’d like to thank God for this opportunity to travel to Nashville,” she said. “It means so much. I’m blessed that my director, Amanda Mancini, nominated me. It was astonishing to represent Canyon Vista.”
The trip was an unforgettable milestone: meeting new people, time with leadership, exploring a new place, and sharing it with best friend Elva Rodriguez.
“It was wonderful, and the best part was taking my best friend,” she said.
Kristina’s path to Canyon Vista was driven by family opportunities and guided by faith.
“God placed me here for a reason,” she said. “The staff are beautiful people; I’m blessed to be part of this team.”
As Care Navigator, she’s a steady presence for patients. The reward? Caring for others, inspired by Ecclesiastes: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.”
Her compassion is spiritual: “I love others as God loves me. Seeing patients happy changes everything.”
Outside work, she enjoys family, church, friends. A patient’s smile “...means the world.”
She praises colleagues: “They inspire me every day.”
Faith sustains her: “Praying to Jesus and thanking God keeps me going.”
Advice for healthcare newcomers: “Be yourself. God gives you what you can handle.”
Kristina’s story reminds us that Canyon Vista’s staff are caring community members, grounded in faith and compassion.
Military Brothers and Sisters Honored at CVMC’s Wall of Fame
By R.J. Cohn
Canyon Vista Medical Center’s Veterans Wall of Fame grew larger on Nov. 6, 2025, as 12 veterans were honored for decades of service to country and community. Since its inception in 2015, the wall has recognized 120 servicemen and women. Sponsored by the Legacy Foundation of Southeast Arizona, the annual ceremony drew nearly 100 attendees to celebrate the inductees’ lasting impact through volunteerism and military commitment.
Sierra Vista Mayor and Retired Army Colonel Clea McCaa, himself a past inductee, praised the honorees: “It takes courage to put country before self. You volunteered for uncertainty, and that’s extraordinary.” He also acknowledged the families for their sacrifices, noting, “Freedom isn’t free.”
2025 Inductees:
- Louie “Gunny” Aviles – U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant (Ret.), owner of Gunny’s Barbecue, veteran and youth advocate.
- Joe Farmer – U.S. Army Staff Sergeant (Ret.), educator, faith leader, and volunteer.
- Polly Gosa, MSN, RN – U.S. Army Specialist, nurse educator, Legacy Foundation board member.
- Donna Inman – U.S. Army Sergeant, longtime volunteer with Red Cross and Scouts.
- Frank Liebsch – U.S. Army Sergeant Major (Ret.), engineer, philanthropist, Knights of Columbus leader.
- Jerome Loucks (Posthumous)– U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Four (Ret.), entrepreneur and youth sports supporter.
- William McCormick, DO – U.S. Army Major, orthopedic surgeon, Sierra Vista City Council member.
- Brenda Petitt – U.S. Army Specialist, school district leader, veteran advocate.
- William “Bill” Polakowski – U.S. Air Force Colonel (Ret.), food bank volunteer, youth minister.
- Lawrence “Larry” Portouw – U.S. Army Colonel (Ret.), former Fort Huachuca Garrison Commander, nonprofit leader.
- Ruth Quinn – U.S. Army Sergeant, longtime CVMC Board Chair, history and scholarship supporter.
- Ronald Roberts – U.S. Army Sergeant First Class (Ret.), Disabled American Veterans leader and volunteer driver.
These inductees join a legacy of service and sacrifice that continues to inspire the community.