A special celebration was held at Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern Monday to thank veterans for their service and dedication.

Dr. Mill Etienne, a neurologist at Good Samaritan Hospital, was one of the people honored at the ceremony.

Etienne decided he wanted to serve for the United States military after the 9/11 terror attacks. On Veterans Day 14 years ago, he enlisted in the Navy.

After completing his training, he went on active duty working at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. That's where he started the Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, one of the largest centers of its kind in the U.S. military.

"One of the main reasons I did that was because of a large number of traumatic brain injuries that are occurring with the wars that are taking place. We wanted to be able to treat them when they're coming home," says Etienne.

Using his experience in the military, the Spring Valley resident started the epilepsy program at Good Samaritan Hospital.

Etienne, who is in the Reserves, donned his uniform at the ceremony to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

"Every day I come here in a white coat. This is the uniform for the military, so as we honor our veterans, I thought it was important to wear our uniform," he says.

Officials say about 50 veterans work at the hospital, from physicians to employees in food service.