35th MDG celebrates nurse, medical technician appreciation week

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Colleen Frohling
  • 35th Medical Group interim chief nurse
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  During World War I and World War II, more than 99,000 nurses served in the Army and Navy. This year marks the 61st anniversary of the Air Force Nurse Corps, which emerged from the Army Nurse Corps in July 1949.

Today, military nurses and technicians deploy on a regular basis for humanitarian missions and to fields of conflict. When serving at home, they are responsible for the wellbeing of all service members, their dependants as well as retirees.

To celebrate the dedicated work of America's 3.1 million nurses who save lives and maintain health for millions of individuals, the nation celebrates National Nurse's Week, May 6 to 12. This year's theme, "Nurses: Caring today for a healthier tomorrow," selected by the American Nurses Association, is also celebrated by the 35th Medical Group staff to honor those medical professionals serving into today's fight.

The Nurse/Technician Appreciation Week at Misawa week kicked off May 10 with breakfast followed. A variety of social events will follow such as a luncheon highlighting the history of nursing, a birthday celebration of the founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale and gifts of appreciation presented to staff members on all shifts.

Throughout the week, the skilled group of medical professionals who provide constant care to Misawa's base community will be honored, said Lt. Col. James Sperl, 35th MDG deputy commander.

The appreciation week isn't only about recognizing nurses and technicians; it is also to help educate the public about the role they play in meeting the medical needs of our Air Force community.

"National Nurses week affords us the opportunity to recognize accomplishments of the women and men of our profession, and there have been many," wrote Maj. Gen. Kimberly Siniscalchi, Assistant Air Force Surgeon General, Nursing Services, headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C., in an Air Staff newsletter to Air Force medical professionals. "We all represent points of service along the continuum of patient care, making ever nurse and aerospace medical and surgical services technician invaluable," she wrote.

The week allows those members of the medical community a chance to express what an honor it is to serve our patients and our country, said Capt. Courtney Wallace, 35th MDG family practice nurse and Nurse/Technician Appreciation Week chairman.

One of the medical group's 41 registered nurses expressed how serving others provides him with fulfilling career.

"There are many stories that I will be able to share with my family and a sense of patriotism and calling that makes me proud to serve," said 1st Lt. John Streeter, 35th Surgical Squadron multi-service clinical nurse. "There is no job that gives me the opportunity to serve my country in a way that touches the lives of our current military members, their families and veterans."