A Century of Excellence...A Horizon of Opportunities

To the US Navy Nurse Corps:

  The Eagle, a perfect symbol of strength in times of adversity, explains very well the service of America's Navy Nurse Corps. As she flies forward into the foreground of my sketch from the horizons of the past into bright new horizons of the future, she tells the story of 100 years of their
service.
  The US Navy Nurse Corps began in 1908 with a staff of 20 women. Among them was their leader, Chief Nurse Esther Voorhees Hasson, U.S. Army, (1867-1942), positioned among the stripes. I  have used 20 stars to lead your eye throughout my sketch, combined with the stripes...a visual symbol
of their patriotic passion. The first nurses were appropriately referred to as 'The Sacred 20'. The name says it all. They must have been amazing ladies, and certainly are true American 'HEROES'. They gave courageously of themselves to comfort and save the lives of our troops during war and peace times while expecting nothing in return. Their legacy has continued as pictured from the uniformed nurses of the past to the present Nurse Corps. As I visualise them, I stand in awe of such heartfelt strength that it must take to face the life and death battles of those in their care.

  Under the Eagle's caring wing I have positioned Marines, who work with them, this part tells the story that our wounded/sick are in the security of their capable hands.  They have the resolve to smile and comfort the traumatically wounded while holding back their own emotions of the gravity
of the reality. Our nurses are very special, with an awesome gift of love. I, for one, say a great big 'Thank you!" to them for sharing it.

  The building positioned atop the Eagle's wing is the original building where the Sacred 20 were trained...the one below is the recent one Naval Medical Center Portsmouth. The current leaders I have pictured, appearing from the stars are ...from front to back, Rear Admiral Christine M.
Bruzek-Kohler Nurse Corps US Navy, Rear Admiral Karen Flaherty Nurse Corps, United States Naval Reserve Deputy Director of the Nurse Corps, and ADM Duerk.  Positioned in and under the Eagle's wing are major hospital ships, the USS Reagan, and the USS Mercy. Finally, the three insignias used throughout history to represent members of US Navy Nurse Corps. The Eagle is
presenting them from past, and leading across the page to the far corner is the present symbol. It shows the way the symbol evolved to today's simple oak leaf.

  Whenever an American sees the oak leave symbol, I hope she/he realises the significance behind it, the awesome service and dedication to excellence our US Navy Nurse Corps represents. It has certainly been an honor telling a small portion of their story visually.  As the sun I have depicted rising
from the horizon, the future is filled with bright opportunities for our US Navy Nurse Corps! God bless and protect you always!

Salutes,
Cheryl