Patricia Braun (from right) has been employed by Kaweah Health for more than 51 years. She received a special plaque from Renee Lauck, imaging and radiation services director. Photos via Kaweah Health, composite by Israel Meave

Kaweah Health recently honored employees marking significant service anniversaries in 2026, celebrating staff members who have been with the Visalia-based organization for 25-50 years at a special luncheon.

This marks the first time since the pandemic that Kaweah Health has been able to recognize these significant milestones, with employees from recent years also honored at the event.

In total, 128 employees were recognized — two of whom reached the 50-year mark.

“The true value of what these employees do isn’t captured in years or numbers on a spreadsheet,” said Marc Mertz, Kaweah Health CEO. “It’s measured in the hands they’ve held during moments of fear and uncertainty, the reassuring words they’ve spoken to anxious families, the extra minutes they’ve spent making things right, the compassionate care they’ve given when no one was watching, and the countless small acts of kindness that have made all the difference on someone’s darkest day. That’s their legacy.”

Patricia Braun, an outpatient registration and customer service representative at the Imaging and Breast Center, has been with Kaweah Health for more than 51 years. She achieved the 50-year mark on Oct. 1, 2024, having started with the organization in 1974.

“For more than five decades, Patty has met the challenges of tremendous change in the form of new technology, new teams and new facilities,” said Renee Lauck, imaging and radiation services director. “She has been a constant source of knowledge, brought stability to her work environment and served with tremendous heart.”

 

Lori Haun, laboratory technician, will mark 50 years in 2026, having joined Kaweah Health in 1976.

“Lori is treasured by her coworkers for her boundless work ethic, high productivity, pleasant nature and positive attitude,” said Randall Kokka, laboratory director. “Everyone in the lab loves and respects Lori.”

Among the 128 honorees, 66 employees celebrated 25 years of service in 2026, the largest group recognized. Twenty-two employees marked 30 years, nine reached 35 years, and seven celebrated 40 years in 2026. There was also recognition for those who hit milestone anniversaries in recent years, including two employees who reached 45 years — Carol Young in 2024 and Linda Ellison in 2025 — along with 11 employees who reached 40 years between 2022 and 2025.