First off, don't freak out! I am not deploying in the next few months. I just wanted to update you regarding new policy that has been published regarding any future deployments. This next section is taken directly from Major General Pollock's letter in The Army Nurse Corps Newsletter....there is good news to share this month as well. We have received approval from the Army to make all nurse rotations (other than the Deputy Commander for Nursing) into Iraq and Afghanistan only six months long. So now, our [Army Nurse Corps] officers will know that they are going and will be back in 180 days.
That's right! If/when I deploy I will be required to spend 6 months as opposed to the previous 15 months in Iraq and Afghanistan. The job itself has not changed at all, is will continue to be dangerous as evidenced by the loss of LTC Richard Berrenttini, Army Nurse who passed away from his injuries sustained from an IED blast in Afghanistan.
I know that many of you don't understand why I do this, why I chose to join the Army as a Nurse, but if you could see the faces of the Wounded Warriors and their families I think you would understand. I truly believe it to be an honor and a privilege to serve those who fought in the past, those fighting now, and those who may fight in the future.
