[CerebralCRNA]

Taking care of patients does not keep you out of harm's way, please continue to support the troops we very much appreciate it.


Thanks

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Army Capt. Maria Ortiz July 10, 2007

Posted by The Star-Ledger July 14, 2007 2:57PM

Categories: Iraq
Courtesy of the Ortiz family
Age: 40 Hometown: Pennsauken
Circumstances: Killed by a mortar round in Baghdad's fortified Green Zone

N.J. nurse killed in Iraq was 'jewel' of Army clinic
Captain is 3rd Jersey woman to die in the war
Saturday, July 14, 2007
BY WAYNE WOOLLEY
Star-Ledger Staff
Everybody at Kirk U.S. Army Health Clinic knew Capt. Maria Ortiz.
She was the head nurse with the 1,000-watt smile and the ability to instantly calm even the most distressed patients at the clinic on Aberdeen Proving Ground, an Army installation in Maryland.
But the 40-year-old Pennsauken native told co-workers last year that while she enjoyed caring for sick soldiers in America, she was volunteering for duty in Iraq because she felt drawn to troops wounded in combat.
Ortiz was killed Tuesday by a mortar round that landed in Baghdad's fortified Green Zone, the Department of Defense announced yesterday.

For article in its entirety, please click on following link:


http://blog.nj.com/njwardead/2007/07...z_july_10.html

[psalm]

I worked at Aberdeen when it was Kirk Army Hospital...close-knit. Our prayers go out to Capt. Ortiz' family & friends. Rest in peace.

[Suesquatch]

I'm so sorry.

[carliboo30]

May the Lord bring this family comfort in this time of great tribulation. Her sacrifice was indeed selfless, she was a hero and a true representation of a nurse brought to the profession by God to help others. May the Lord Jesus receive her with open arms, God Bless.

[Gennaver]

Originally Posted by CerebralCRNA

Taking care of patients does not keep you out of harm's way, please continue to support the troops we very much appreciate it.

]

Hi,
Thanks for posting, (new Army Nurse here). My sympathies to the family, friends and loved one of this wonderful Nurse, Woman and Captain.

I read the article and was suprised to see that it states that the DOD said this is the first Army nurse casuality when over six months ago I read that 80% of the women casualties, (totaling less than 10% of all casualties) were nurses. From what I understand, in this war, there never was a 'real' green zone.

I'm more curious now.

Gen

[steelcityrn]

Oh Lord, how horrible. Family friend left for Iraq today, he is a marine. This is a tragic loss of life. May she rest in peace, and the family know she will be missed.

[GilaRN]

RIP brave soldier. Thoughts and prayers are with friends and family.

[ARMYNURSE66H]

God bless you CPT. ORTIZ. Rest in peace. Thank you for all you have done. My greatest sympathy to your friends and family.

2LT Eric Cruz

[Itshamrtym]

So sorry to hear of this great loss. Her smile looks as if it could light up a room.. Deepest sympathy to Maria's family, friends, and co-workers here and abroard.

[Mentuhotep II]

Originally Posted by CerebralCRNA

Taking care of patients does not keep you out of harm's way, please continue to support the troops we very much appreciate it.


Thanks

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



For article in its entirety, please click on following link:


http://blog.nj.com/njwardead/2007/07...z_july_10.html

Death is an unfortunate reality of life, its unfortunate and sad especially when it happens to the young. With that said, what does "support the troops" mean in practicle terms? Does it mean driving around with a silly little bumper sticker that reads "I support the troops"? Does it mean one gives verbal support to a president who has gotten the US involved in the worse military blunder since the Vietnam fiasco? What exactly does "support the troops" mean?