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Veteran Air Force nurses meet during 13th Bi-Annual Society of Air Force Nurses and World War II Flight Nurses National Convention

  • Published
  • By Maj. Dianne Stroble
WASHINGTON --  The 13th Bi-Annual Society of Air Force Nurses and World War II Flight Nurses National Convention took place in Charleston, S.C. recently to honor Vietnam era nurses.

Established in 1986, the Society of the Air Force Nurses is a non-profit veterans' organization that serves as an informational network and community outreach for former and current Air Force nurses.

Maj. Gen. Kimberly Siniscalchi, Air Force Assistant Surgeon General, Nursing Services, was a keynote speaker at the event and praised the audience of veteran Air Force Nurses for decades of visionary support.

"We have a rich history, a proud heritage of innovation, and a promising future," said Siniscalchi.

She noted many accomplishments of today's nursing force, highlighting the incredible advances in deployed nursing care, the role of nursing research, and the many opportunities for today's nurses to grow as leaders.

"Today we are charged to continue to improve future patient care by leveraging technology and talent," said Siniscalchi.

There were more than 250 attendees whose experiences ranged from World War II to present day operations. While each of their individual experiences varied greatly, the stories they told harkened of timeless themes that military nurses know - service, friendship, and caring. It was a rich melting pot of a unique group who are joined by the common bonds of their profession.

Among the dignitaries attending the conference were previous Air Force Nurse Corps Chiefs - retired Maj. Gen. Barbara Brannon, retired Brig. Gen. Linda Stierle, retired Brig. Gen. Barbara Goodwin, retired Brig. Gen. Diann Hale-O'Connor, past President of the Society, retired Col. Rita Vokes, and World War II Flight Nurse, 91 year old, retired Lt. Col. Genevieve Harrold.

The President of the Society of Air Force Nurses, retired Lt. Col. Pat Brennan said, "It was an honor and privilege to have Major General Siniscalchi as our guest speaker. We from the Vietnam era were amazed to see the modernization and advancement that is being made for the betterment of our patients, the nursing and medical staff currently operating in the field. Hopefully, our efforts have helped lead to this advancement."