Marcus Denetdale, ASU Construction’s Indian Country Program Manager; Bob Terry III, Kenew’s Founding Principal; and James Murphy, CEO of Willmeng Construction; collaborated to bring support and medical supplies to the Navajo Nation. On Monday, May 4th, the group traveled to Tsehootsooi Medical Center in Ft. Defiance, AZ, to donate 1,000 N-95 masks, along with select hygiene and baby items.
The idea was brought to light by Victoria Upshaw, a project engineer for Willmeng, who grew up in Window Rock. Victoria demonstrated great leadership, concern, and care for the Navajo Nation in her collaborative efforts to organize the donation. With a full Willmeng team ready to support, Victoria Upshaw and Veronica Davis worked to bring in donations from the rest of the Willmeng staff. In order to expedite delivery, James Murphy, Marcus Denetdale, and Bob Terry III drove the items directly to the medical center. Thank you to everyone at Willmeng who donated hygiene and baby items; this effort would not have been possible without those donations.
At that time, Tsehootsooi Medical Center was in full-activation of tier three operations to address the impact of the virus. Many on the reservation had reported a shortage of PPE, hygiene products, and the ability to maintain health care staffing. Willmeng is thankful for everyone’s support and speedy action to help our allies to the North. Thank you to the medical community who is working in solidarity throughout the Navajo Nation to care for those in need during this time.
Throughout COVID-19, Willmeng has worked hard to be able to support various medical facilities through their donations of N95 masks. Number of masks donated:
- Pete Klees: 20
- VA Hospital: 20
- Honor Health & All Care: 160
- Navajo Nation: 1,100
- Mike Hsiung (ER Doctor): 120
- Nick Mongelli: 10-20
- Shannon: 30
- Don Gleash: 80
- Bill Smith: 100
- George Leon: 20
