July 2018
New York Construction Team United by Project and Country
POUGHKEEPSIE, NY - In the construction industry, every day is different, but for more than 300 workers in Poughkeepsie, New York, each day begins with the same unifying tradition, a collective safety meeting followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
A large American flag hangs from the side of the new patient pavilion being constructed at Vassar Brothers Medical Center. Project team members of the joint venture of Walsh Construction and Consigli Construction have been gathering outside the pavilion every morning to discuss safety and recite the Pledge.
This tradition began in May 2017 when a heavy equipment operator suggested they recite the Pledge in an effort to show support of all U.S. troops, past and present. The idea was so well received and inspirational that it became a daily occurrence.
鈥淎s a former serviceman, I鈥檓 incredibly proud,鈥� said Senior Superintendent Jim Major, 鈥淚t鈥檚 amazing how many people want to be a part of something good, and that鈥檚 great to see.鈥�
The team is building a new eight-level in-patient pavilion that will include 264 private patient rooms, 30 critical care rooms, a 66-room emergency department, 12 surgical suites, and a conference center.
The Pledge is a source of pride for the project team and is a moving experience for visitors to the project. Dan Walsh, co-chairman of Walsh Construction, recently visited the project and joined the team鈥檚 morning safety huddle and Pledge of Allegiance. He called it 鈥渁 powerful moment to see everyone united together,鈥� when workers turned to the flag and recited the Pledge in unison.
The half-billion dollar pavilion is considered to be the largest construction project in the history of Poughkeepsie. The project is expected to be complete in late 2019, the hospital will double in size and be the largest medical facility in the area.