YUMA, Ariz. -- The human body is far from indestructible, and our brains are incapable of knowing everything, which is why healthcare professionals like Paula Snook are in such high demand.
One of twelve traveling nurses working for the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society, Snook travels through a total of eight states to help those in need of assistance.
Part of her job and the reason for traveling such great distances, is the work she does with wounded warriors.
"What I do is meet with the wounded warriors and their families, find out what their needs are, teach the warriors and families how to care and cope with the situation, and then later on, see how they are progressing," said Snook.
Most families, according to Snook, aren't familiar with the injury, much less the accompanying mental conditions, most prevelant which is post traumatic stress disorder.
"The families didn't experience what their wounded warrior did. I focus on educating them so they 'Get It'," said Snook.
Most of the time Snook takes the wounded warrior out to eat upon meeting with them, keeping in mind their situation, anxiety and feelings toward crowds.
"This is exactly what the families need 'To Get.' Crowds could make them nervous, having their back to a door or group of people could give them anxiety and the wrong choice of words could upset them."
Snook continues to help these families as long as they want, regardless of discharge status.
"We don't force anything onto people. If they want our help, we'll be there," said Snook.
The Wounded Warrior Program is helping service members all over the world and changing lives, ensuring these men and women can live as normal and productive lives as possible, according to Snook.
"I know men who have become reclusive due to their injuries and then pull a 180 after something as simple as receiving a service dog. I've heard of hospitals making special prosthetic limbs just so a they can feel beautiful and wear high heels or run and feel confident," said Snook.
Snook travels at least once a month, but the rest of the time she's helping the local community. Free of charge, service members can visit her office or have her come by for a visit. Not to be confused as an emergency nurse, Snook is more of an adviser or advocate that can give people the tools needed to either help themselves or go in the right direction to receive proper care.
She is also a trained lactation specialist with a lot of experience with children. If you've constantly been brushed off by doctors and need to find someone who will listen, her doors are always open. If you need help educating yourself on a condition or affliction you or a loved might have, she has a wealth of knowledge to aid you.
With a Bachelors in Nursing and more than 20 years of experience working in hospitals, nursing homes, hospices, home care and in new parent support programs, she is sure to be able to help.
"They serve their country, they did what they did protecting my right of freedom, and all of them earned the right to receive this kind of care," said Snook. "It's an honor."