Nurse Killed by Afghan rocket fire

[just_cause, BSN, RN]

This link was posted in general news area by someone else, I pasted it below for those in this forum.

Army reserve nurse killed by rocket fire. I'll pray for his family and their loss - and I'm grateful for his service.

http://www.ohio.com/news/120682634.html

An Army nurse and officer who worked in the intensive care unit at Summa Western Reserve Hospital has been killed in Afghanistan.

Army Reserve Capt. Joshua McClimans, 30, died Friday.

McClimans had worked at the Cuyahoga Falls medical facility since 2008, according to hospital President Robert Kent.

''We are deeply saddened by the loss of Joshua,'' Kent said. ''Serving others was a way of life for Joshua- perfectly exemplified by his roles in service as a [registered] nurse and a member of the Reserves.''

Esther McClimans said her grandson, who lived in Bath Township, was killed by rocket fire on his way to work at an Army hospital.

''He was an amazing kid,'' she said.

McClimans graduated from Jamestown High School in 1998. He attended Kent State University and later the University of Akron.

He joined the Army ROTC program and was commissioned as an officer. After serving four years of active duty including a tour of duty in Iraq, he worked at Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington, D.C.

His grandmother, who is the mayor of Jamestown in Pennsylvania's Mercer County, said her grandson joined an Army Reserve unit about 18 months ago and had been in Afghanistan for six weeks.

''The minute he got there he knew he wasn't safe,'' she said.

Her grandson, who grew up a few blocks away from her in Jamestown, liked to laugh and loved his country.

''He loved being a dad. He loved being a nurse. He loved his country and he felt honored to serve,'' she said.

Survivors include a 7-year-old son, Max; a 13-year-old daughter, Emma; and his parents, Michael McClimans of Jamestown, Pa., and Cindy McClimans of Texas.

Amanda McClimans, who has been in a relationship with McClimans for more than a decade, described him as ''amazing, loving, strong, compassionate, caring and the best dad in the world.''

He would often call home three to four times a day from Afghanistan, she said.

And before he left, he spoke to their son's first-grade class at Fort Island School in the Copley-Fairlawn school district.

The students made a book for him to take to Afghanistan and each week he talked to the class via Skype.

''They looked up to him as a hero,'' said Ally Wehmann, the first-grade teacher at Fort Island.

She said the children in her classroom learned Monday from their parents that McClimans had died. The students return to class today.

Amanda McClimans said Joshua McClimans was planning on bringing back American flags for the kids in Max's class, as well as teachers and others at the school.

A scholarship fund for McClimans' children has been established at North Akron Savings Bank. Donations to the McClimans Children Memorial Fund, established by Summa Western Reserve Hospital, can be made at any North Akron Savings Bank location.

A funeral in Jamestown is being planned.

[jerrylundergard]

Bad news.

RIP Capt. McClimans

[SoldierNurse22, BSN, RN]

Rest in peace, sir.

[annabeap, MSN, APRN, NP]

Yeah, I saw this in the news. Thinking of his family during this time. :redbeathe

[1spunky]

May you rest in peace! God Bless.

[CRF250Xpert]

unfortunately, medics aren't exempt from attacks. Bummer.

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

Received this in an email from the Army Nurse Corps Chief, MG Horoho, that was sent to the entire Army Nurse Corps:

Team Army Nurse Corps,

It is with a saddened heart that I share with you the news of a tragic loss sustained by our Corps and the 352nd CSH. On 22 April 2011, CPT Joshua McClimans was killed by indirect fire during a mortar attack on Salerno Hospital in Afghanistan.

CPT McClimans' Army Nurse Corps career began in 2003, and although his time with us was not long, it was marked by an unwavering dedication to selfless service. He served as an active component and reserve officer, leaving his mark with the 86th CSH in Iraq, Winn Army Community Hospital, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, and was an invaluable member of the 352nd team in Afghanistan. His legacy will endure because of the Soldier that he was, the lives he touched, and the warm smile and caring touch that he offered to all who were entrusted to his care.

CPT McClimans' sacrifice reminds us that freedom can come at a high price. I humbly thank each of you on behalf of a grateful nation for commitment, dedication and your courage to care, courage to connect and courage to change. As we mourn this devastating loss please take care of each other and know that the Army Nurse Corps family is here for you.

I am humbled by his sacrifice.

[sooperdooper]

This is very sad. My heart goes out to him and his family.

[RN1980]

gods speed bro..