This Veterans Day, JEMS honors EMS providers who proudly served their country.
Ryan Spencer-Smith, United States Navy
Inspired by a desire to serve and protect others, Ryan Spencer-Smith joined the U.S. Navy as a corpsman. After five years of serving in combat with the Marines and providing critical medical treatment to those in need, Ryan left the military to be home with his family.
While enjoying his retirement, Ryan still felt called to serve and help people in need. In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, he chose to return to the medical field and joined GMR as a paramedic.
“Having military experience was a huge advantage,” he said. “The common skills that the military teaches you—such as attention to detail, the ability to accomplish the mission no matter what the task, and a commitment to excellence—are all attributes that carry over in the civilian EMS workforce.”
Alejandro (Alex) Labrada, United States Army
Alex Labrada joined the military immediately after graduating high school and quickly worked his way up the ranks as a combat medic. After serving seven years and accomplishing many missions, including serving in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Alex was honorably discharged.
Seeking a new adventure close to home, and at the recommendation of peers in the industry, Alex joined AMR and now serves his community as a paramedic. Alex believes the experiences he had as an Army medicine laid the foundation for his continuing EMS career.
“To hold the position of healthcare specialist, I first had to attain my EMT certification, and the Army provided the training. Additionally, the critical-thinking skills I learned in the military help me make decisions daily while working on the ambulance.”
David Bennett, United States Army
David Bennett has always been driven by his love of country, making it an easy decision to join the military at the age of 17. He would go on to serve 22 years of active duty as a critical care nurse, serving in many different parts of the world including Iraq, Qatar, Haiti, Saudi Arabia, Djibouti and Afghanistan. David retired from the Army in 2020, however the love for his country never left and he knew his new career would be serving in some way.
Currently serving as a flight nurse for Air Evac Lifeteam, David attributes his experience and abilities to his time in the Army. “It was through intensive training and real-world experience that I am able to do what I do every day,” says Bennett.
Dwayne McDuffie, United States Army Reserves
Dwayne McDuffie has served in the United States Army Reserves for two decades. In this time, he has risen to the rank of sergeant (E5) and is responsible for training individuals in their military skills and respective specialties.
McDuffie joined GMR in 2022 as Vehicle Supply Technician and EMT. It is McDuffie’s responsibility to ensure the LifeGuard Santa Rosa’s fleet is ready to respond to emergencies at a moment’s notice.
“The different duties, roles, and responsibilities I’ve held throughout my military career have helped me become better at multitasking and management duties,” said McDuffie. “I know how to communicate effectively with my peers and with upper management, to ensure that everybody is on the same page when it comes to supply updates, issues or concerns. And I can remain calm and cool at a pressure-filled call scene, helping ensure everyone’s safety and control crowds in potentially dangerous situations.”
Kelly Kjelstrom, United States Navy, National Guard, Army Reserves, Air Force Reserves
Kelly Kjelstrom, a paramedic with American Medical Response in Stanislaus County, California, embodies a legacy of dedication and service. Coming from a family with a long history of military service, Kjelstrom joined the U.S. Navy in 1989, both to honor that tradition and to receive premier medical training. His military journey led him from the Navy to the California National Guard, then to the Army Reserves, and finally to the Air Force Reserves, where he retired as a master sergeant.
Throughout nearly 30 years in the armed forces, Kjelstrom specialized in medical roles, including special ops medic, rotary and fixed-wing flight medic and educator in clinical standards and evaluations. He worked alongside special units around the world, supporting operations such as Operation Iraqi Freedom and the Global War on Terrorism.
For the past 27 years, Kjelstrom has served his community as a paramedic, field training officer, and mobile healthcare provider. Now, he works alongside his service dog, Halo, on a Quick Response Vehicle. “My extensive medical training has helped me be a better healthcare provider,” Kjelstrom said. “And as a community paramedic, my military background helps me connect with veterans experiencing challenges.”
Stefanie Everts, United States Marine Corps
Stefanie Everts, a former U.S. Marine Corps staff sergeant, misses the Marine Corps every day. Drawn to its reputation for toughness, she joined to push her limits and trained as a heavy equipment operator, mastering cranes, forklifts, graders and scrapers. These skills proved essential during a mission to build homes on the Navajo Reservation in New Mexico, an experience that became one of her most cherished memories.
After Sept. 11, both Everts and her husband, also in the military, were preparing for deployment. By then, they had two young children, and the call to family ultimately led her to complete her contract and transition to civilian life. Following a long-standing interest in the medical field, Everts set her sights on nursing.
Today, she serves as a flight nurse with Air Evac Lifeteam in Moberly, Missouri, where her military training remains valuable. “Every flight is different,” Everts said. “You have to think outside the box, expect the unexpected and always have a plan B, C and sometimes D.” Everts is proud to continue serving her community, now from the skies.
