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Life is a Battlefield
August 16, 2010
It was a hot Arizona day when I was walking down the street with my husband and we were discussing our future plans. Tim had retired from the Marine Corps a couple of years prior and we were talking about the way we missed our military life. Now, most people do not understand the strong bond that develops between military families its a link for life. With that being said, I asked him what he thought about me becoming an Army Nurse. He smiled at me and said "you followed me for 20 years so I will follow you for 20 years." Done deal, in the next few weeks that passed I lined everything up with the AMEDD recruiter. I was so excited, the kids were all grown and it was just Tim and I now. That was 31 July 2001 when I swore in. Then came 9/11 as all American's watched with horror thousands of innocent lives came to an end. I was even more determined to continue my path down the Army Road. I was proud to serve no matter where it took me. As a geneology detective I found out some interesting facts about my realitives. I am the 3rd great granddaughter of Hannabal Hamblin (Abraham Lincoln's first VP) and the only VP to serve on active duty while he was in the White House. Wiliam Wilson, Josiah Clark, and several other of my decendants fought in the Revolutionary War and were part of the Penebscot Expedition. (If you don't know, this is considered the first naval disaster in history and Pearl Harbor the second) My family goes back to the Mayflower and on back to King Henry the 3rd. So, it is a proud tradition that I serve as an Army Nurse. The ANC offers many opportunities and a career ladder that can take you to many different places in the nursing field. School loan paybacks, bonuses for specialities, promotions, awards for jobs well done, mentorship,travel, and most importantly the ability to give our Soldier's the best care in the world. Yes, we deploy to the war zones, it's part of our job. We learn those battlefield skills quickly, remember we are Soldier's too. The Army Nurse Corps will be one of the most rewarding professions you will ever have. Do it while your young and experience what you can do for your country. I say to the baby boomers too, try it if you need a change, we need your experience. Courage to Care, Courage to Connect, and Courage to Change thats our motto!
submitted by Captain Ann Laturno on Aug 16 2010
Comments
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This is very refreshing as I will be 40 in March and all my kids are about grown, My hubby served in the Army for many years but I did not know him then. I have wanted to join the Army for years but there was always something in my way, overweight, single mom or ex hubby was an over the road truck driver then I became to old.. then i found out they raised the age limit this is my sign! I have shed 60 pounds and quit smoking and have it in my sights. My kids and hubby are behind me 100%. I am an LPN now for 10 years and Im almost ready. I will have a total loss of 100 pounds when i go.:) Thank you for your story I know it can be done.
Reply
Cheryl Hurt
Aug 19, 2010 1:19 PM