[brian]

Popular Army Nurse is First Killed in Combat Since Vietnam

A nurse who worked at a combat support hospital in Iraq was killed in July, making her the first Army nurse casualty of the war.

Throughout our country’s history, nurses have often been called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice.

Nurses have a proud history of providing nursing care and leadership in the military. U.S. Army Capt. Maria I. Ortiz, 40, born in Pennsauken, NJ, and raised in Puerto Rico, died July 10 after suffering injuries from a mortar attack in Baghdad’s “Green Zone,” according to published reports. Prior to volunteering for duty in the combat zone, Ortiz served at an Army health clinic at the Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland. She also had been stationed at Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington, DC, and in Puerto Rico.
Ortiz will be buried at the Arlington National Cemetery in a special ceremony honoring her service. Additionally, media reports said officials are considering naming a part of the new Walter Reed Medical Center honoring her and other nurses’ contributions in combat zones.

Also read the following Topic:
Mortar Attack in Baghdad kills fellow nurse

[Spidey's mom]

Thanks for that Brian - I just returned from Vietnam and I'm also reading a book about Vietnam War era nurses.

steph

[bethin]

Originally Posted by stevielynn

Thanks for that Brian - I just returned from Vietnam and I'm also reading a book about Vietnam War era nurses.

steph

Thanks Brian for the story. No one, no matter where you are, is safe in a war torn country.

Off topic I know, but have you read A World of Hurt: Between Innocence and Arrogance in Vietnam by Mary Reynolds Powell? Very, very good. Gut wrenching what they went through. I like to read first hand accounts of nursing during the wars, particularly the Vietnam War.

[psalm]

Originally Posted by stevielynn

Thanks for that Brian - I just returned from Vietnam and I'm also reading a book about Vietnam War era nurses.

steph

Is the book "A Piece of My Heart?" I was reading that shortly after it came out and saw my former Army head nurse and her story!! We were stationed at Kirk Army Hospital, at Aberdeen Proving Ground. It is now Kirk Army clinic, where Capt. Ortiz had been stationed at one time.

p.s. Been praying for your trip to Vietnam. Glad to hear you and dd arrived home safely.

[nanna1999]

Originally Posted by bethin

Thanks Brian for the story. No one, no matter where you are, is safe in a war torn country.

Off topic I know, but have you read A World of Hurt: Between Innocence and Arrogance in Vietnam by Mary Reynolds Powell? Very, very good. Gut wrenching what they went through. I like to read first hand accounts of nursing during the wars, particularly the Vietnam War.

my condolescences to the family. no wins at war

[teeituptom]

I am sorry to hear that for her and her family