Sentara introduces paid military leave to support colleagues who serve

Sentara is taking another step to support colleagues who serve in the military with the launch of a new paid military leave benefit, in effect as of June 1, 2026.

The benefit provides eligible full-time and part-time colleagues up to 30 days of paid leave each year to fulfill military responsibilities, whether that’s active-duty service, training, weekend drills, National Guard duty, or other required service commitments.

For Becky Sawyer, Sentara’s chief people officer and executive vice president, the decision is rooted in recognizing the real-life balancing act many colleagues manage every day.

“We recognize that military service often requires personal and family adjustments that extend far beyond time away from work,” Sawyer said. “This benefit is about honoring those sacrifices by helping our colleagues balance their commitments to our organization with their service to our country.”

The policy also applies to retired service members who may be called back to active duty, reinforcing Sentara’s commitment across all phases of military service. 

Colleagues can use the leave for a wide range of obligations, including annual training, fitness-for-duty exams, and funeral honors duty.

Marcia Noel, human resources specialist and active service member, said the new benefit “demonstrates Sentara’s commitment to supporting employees who serve our country.” 

Balancing civilian and military responsibilities, she shared, can be challenging. 

“Knowing that I have the support of my employer provides peace of mind and reduces financial stress during periods of military service,” she said. “This benefit allows me to focus on my duties while knowing that my civilian career remains supported.”

For Army Nurse and Clinical Compliance Coordinator Yuri Jung, who has served for 17 years and currently holds the rank of Captain in the Army Reserve, the benefit reinforces why she is proud to work at Sentara.  

Yuri Jung says Sentara’s support allows her to lead confidently and remain fully present for her soldiers.

“Of all the workplaces where I have been employed, Sentara has offered the most supportive and comprehensive benefits for military service members,” said Jung, who will serve this summer as Officer in Charge for her unit’s Annual Training at Fort Cavazos, Texas.

Jung added that she speaks highly of Sentara to friends and colleagues, including those who work for other healthcare organizations, because of the supportive environment and employee-focused culture.

For colleagues currently away on orders, the impact is already being felt.  

Customer Service Representative Shaunice Johnson said the benefit provides “a sense of financial stability while also alleviating the risk of burnout.” 

She added that being able to focus fully on training, without worrying about lost wages or overextending herself upon returning, “is truly a breath of fresh air.”

Johnson said Sentara’s support has created an environment where she never feels forced to choose between serving her country and advancing her civilian career. 

“That level of support provides peace of mind and significantly reduces the stress that can come with managing two demanding responsibilities,” said Johnson. 

In Virginia, the connection to the military is strong and unique, with a massive concentration of military facilities from all branches of service located across the Commonwealth. For many Sentara colleagues, military service isn’t abstract, it’s personal and embedded in families, neighborhoods, and everyday life.