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Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center staff paused to celebrate and recognize the U.S. Army Nurse Corps’ 119th birthday at a ceremony held on Fort George G. Meade, Maryland, Feb. 4, 2020.
“This is a day we step back and reflect on the sacrifice, commitment, professionalism and duty by those who have gone before us,” said Retired Army Col. Roy Harris during his remarks at the ceremony. “Army Nurse Corps officers have been there and will continue to be there.”
With more than 18 active years in critical care nursing, Harris highlighted how the corps has evolved over time and over his 30-year career.
“We are the oldest of the nurse corps,” Harris said in reference to the establishment of the Army Nurse Corps by Congress on Feb. 2, 1901. He added that Navy colleagues were established in 1908.
“The corps has fluctuated in size based on the mission: Starting with a corps of over 1,000 then swelled to over 21,000 during World War I and 57,000 active duty Army nurses in World War II,” Harris stated. “Our service would continue through Korea, Vietnam, Grenada, Panama, Desert Shield, Desert Storm and into the most recent service in Afghanistan.”
Harris also emphasized the importance of leadership and readiness touching upon the birthday theme Ready to lead, Ready to care.
“The notions of leadership and readiness have been core principles for our corps. There are many aspects to readiness that need our constant attention. It’s about teaching and relentless training so all team members have the knowledge and skills to provide the necessary care on the battlefield.”
In addition to readiness on the battlefield, Harris asserted the importance of patient and family readiness.
“Readiness also means taking care of patients and their families because we’re trusted to provide quality care and that trust enables the warfighter to focus on their mission.”
Harris concluded with an appeal to the audience.
“I urge you to celebrate today with Army nurses—active duty, Reserve, National Guard, and Retired—the realization that our service absolutely made a difference and continues to make a difference into the future.”
| Date Taken: | 02.05.2020 |
| Date Posted: | 02.06.2020 15:41 |
| Story ID: | 362005 |
| Location: | FORT MEADE, US |
| Web Views: | 71 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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