What inspired you to join the military?
I wanted to be there for my country. That may sound corny, but I felt that it was more important to give to my country and not just take what so many soldiers died to give me. Freedom comes at a cost, and I wanted to do what I could to pave a future for my children and grandchildren.
What was your role during your time of service?
I spent five years and seven months in the U.S. Army as a Combat Medic. I spent most of my time in the service working in the Emergency Department at Tripler Army Medical Center. While my primary duty was in the ED, I also made ambulance runs and, on occasion, special assignments.
What are some key achievements from your time in the service?
During a Presidential visit to Hawaii, I was asked to be part of the motorcade to ensure the safety of President Clinton. I also worked triage for a mass casualty involving a local high school.
My proudest moment was when a patient was dying, and he had a Do Not Resuscitate order. All staff was busy, and my shift was over. His family had not yet arrived. I stayed well past my shift and held his hand, talking to him and even singing softly to him. I did not want him to pass away alone. After a few hours, he slowly drifted away, and his hand dropped from mine.
Why is it important that we celebrate Veterans Day as a nation?
Everyone in this nation needs to celebrate and remember all of the men and women who sacrificed so much for hundreds of years so that we can be free.
How do you recognize Veterans Day and Military Family Appreciation Month?
Our family has several Veterans and active-duty Military members, and even though we cannot all get together, we reflect on all they did for our family and how important it is to make them proud.
What is your role at Empower AI?
At Empower AI, I am an RN Medical Reviewer. My duties include reviewing and making decisions on Medicare claims while working with a great team to ensure accuracy and understanding of the processes.
How do you use the skills you learned in the military today?
In the Army, getting up and ready for duty early was important and I still start my day early. My career hinges on reliability, punctuality, accuracy, and organization. These are skills my mother taught me at a young age, but the application of these skills was part of my military life.