News Archives 2023

Veteran walks thousands of miles for Operation Mend
(TODAY, November 12, 2023)
One morning about 15 years ago, United States Vietnam veteran Ric Ryan pledged 25 cents for every friendly wave he got on his long daily walks to Operation Mend, which provides free, lifesaving care to America’s wounded veterans. Ric’s pledge has reached over a couple of a hundred thousand dollars and counting. NBC’s Harry Smith caught up with the vet in this week’s Sunday Spotlight.

Veterans Day in photos: UCLA celebrates coast to coast
(UCLA Newsroom, November 11, 2023)
As the nation’s largest Veterans Day parade kicked off in New York City on Saturday morning, Nov. 11, among the 20,000 participants was a contingent of about a hundred people representing Operation Mend, the partnership between UCLA Health and the U.S. military dedicated to healing physical and psychological wounds of war.

Among the marchers making their way up Fifth Avenue, cheered on by an estimated crowd estimated of 400,000, were UCLA Chancellor Gene Block, leaders from UCLA Health and Operation Mend health care professionals, patients and their families, and supporters.

UCLA honors Ronald Katz with Fiat Lux Award
(UCLA Newsroom, October 13, 2023)
UCLA alumnus Ronald A. Katz, an inventor and entrepreneur who for more than 50 years has helped to advance UCLA’s mission through his wide-ranging philanthropic giving and volunteer service, was honored Sept. 27 with the Fiat Lux Award, which recognizes distinguished or extraordinary service to the university.

Katz, the driving force behind the founding of Operation Mend at UCLA, received the award from UCLA Chancellor Gene Block during a private dinner at the chancellor’s residence.

Vietnam vet helping injured service members one quarter at a time
(NBC News, September 1, 2023)
Walking has helped Vietnam veteran Ric Ryan and he’s known around his California town for waving to everyone he passes by. Ric decided to donate a quarter for everyone who waves back to him on his walks to Operation Mend, which helps post-9/11 veterans injured in service. NBC News’ Harry Smith spoke with Ric about going the extra mile.

Yolanda Poullard | Laker for a Day
(UCLA Health News, February 23, 2023)
Not all wounds are visible. For Yolanda Poullard, a retired U.S. Army Major, the injury was to her spirit and her mental well-being. Yolanda spent more than 18 years in the military, including serving as a company commander leading more than 200 soldiers in Afghanistan.

She was on her way to headquarters when her team was attacked and three of her comrades were killed. Yolanda was devastated and felt guilty that she had not been with her team when the attack occurred.