NNCA Forum

Army Nurse Dies while on SKYPE in Afghanistan

Mon, 07 May 2012 14:01:07 GMT

Army Nurse Capt. Bruce Kevin Clark, 43, of Spencerport, N.Y., who was based in Afghanistan was skyping with his wife on Monday when he suddenly passed away. His cause of death has not been released, pending a military investigation into the matter.

Clark’s family released a statement about his passing, which stated that:

“Bruce’s wife tragically witnessed her husband’s death during one of their regular Skype video chats.”

Clark was assigned to A Company, Troop Command at William Beaumont Army Medical Center in El Paso, and was deployed to Afghanistan in March. Clark’s brother-in-law, Bradley Taber-Thomas, told the AP that:

“We are entrusting the military with investigating and with finding out what happened to Capt. Clark.”

The family’s statement went on to say that:

“At the time of the incident, the family was hoping for a rescue and miracle, but later learned that it was not to be…While we understand the interest our family’s tragedy will attract given the unique circumstances, we ask that our privacy be respected during our time of grief.”

On Thursday, Capt. Clark’s body was returned to Dover Air Force Base, and a funeral is planned in Spencerport, N.Y., a suburb of Rochester. Details about the funeral were not immediately available. Clark and his family moved to Spencerport, his wife’s hometoen, in 2000, and Clark joined the army in 2006.

The statement by his family went on to read:

“Although the circumstances were unimaginable, Bruce’s wife and extended family will be forever thankful that he and his wife were together in his last moments.”

Forum: General Discussion

Obit: Capt. Margaret C. Donoghue NC, USN,(RET)

Thu, 03 May 2012 13:05:26 GMT

DONOGHUE, MARGARET C. August 24, 1924 to April 04, 2012 A native Texan, Maggie lived in many parts of the country and overseas during her 41 year career in nursing. After graduation from St. Mary's High School and Santa Rosa Hospital School of Nursing in, San Antonio, TX, she worked in polio care and neuro-psychiatric nursing for 13 yrs before joining the US Navy Nurse Corps. Additional education was obtained from University of The Incarnate Word, TX and Monterey Postgraduate School, CA. After 28 yrs and 12 duty stations, Captain Maggie retired from Navy Hospital San Diego in 1986 where she was the Director of Nursing Services. Maggie was an avid sports fan and accomplished player of tennis and golf. She had been a member of ladies golf clubs at Miramar MCAS, Admiral Baker GC and Pala Mesa Resort. When she could no longer play golf, she enjoyed the Pharaoh Slot Machine and her many friends at Barona Casino. Many charitable organizations, friends and anyone who knew Maggie benefited from her generous and giving spirit. Her intelligence, wit and penchant for telling it like she saw it were also hallmarks of her uniqueness and will be greatly missed. She is survived by canine companion Buddy and many friends around the country. A gathering of remembrance will be held May 30, 2012 at Palms Restaurant, Miramar MCAS golf course 2:30-5:00 p.m. Questions or info at: us
Published in San Diego Union-Tribune on April 22, 2012
nncret@aol.com

Forum: Trying to Find

Cruise Comedian

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 02:22:21 GMT

What was the name of the comedian who performed on the cruise?

Forum: General Discussion

Obit: CAPT Lois Mickerson NC, USN (Ret)

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 14:44:28 GMT

Lois E. Nickerson, 79, passed away November 17, 2011 in Corpus Christi, Texas. She was born on May 7, 1932 to Alvah L. Nickerson and Pauline Gordon Nickerson in Gardner, Maine.
Lois graduated from Corpus Christi High School in 1950 and from the University of Texas in 1955 earning a BS in nursing. She entered the Navy Nurse Corps in September 1957 and retired April 1984 as a Captain after 27 years of active service. Significant duty stations included the Naval Hospital Bethesda, Maryland, the Naval Hospital Naples, Italy, the Naval Hospital Da Ng, Republic of Vietnam, the Navy Regional Medical Center, Philadelphia, and the Naval Hospital Orlando, Florida. Her awards included Meritorius Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal with Combat "V", Navy Achievement Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
She was a lifelong Episcopalian, dedicated member of Eastern Star and a member of Phi Mu Sorority. Active in the Republican Party, she was a delegate to the Texas State Convention. As a dedicated philanthropist she gave generously of her time and talent to numerous community and charitable organizations throughout the Coastal Bend. Lois was a committed professional Naval Officer, a devoted friend, and an inspiration to all.
Lois is survived by several cousins and many friends.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. on Monday November 21, 2011 at Cage-Mills Funeral Directors located at 4901 Everhart, Corpus Christi, Texas. Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m., Tuesday, November 22, 2011 at All Saints Episcopal Church in Corpus Christi, Texas. Interment will follow at a later date at the Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Ms. Nickerson's name to Friends of the Corpus Christi Library or a charity of your choice.
To offer your condolences visit us at http://www.cage-mills.com

Forum: Trying to Find

Obituary: CDR Gladys Madsen, NC, USN(Ret)

Sun, 18 Mar 2012 19:15:57 GMT

Commander Gladys Madsen1920 ~ 2012Commander Madsen recalled the reason she had first enlisted in the Navy in 1943 and said "The war was on; it was a matter of being patriotic, and I was needed there."Gladys Madsen was born May 26, 1920 in Bountiful, Utah. She received her nursing education and bachelor degree at BYU and University of Utah. She was commissioned an ensign in the Navy Nurse Corps, United States Naval Reserve on November 5, 1943 and reported for active duty at the Naval Hospital, Mare Island, California. During her 30 year career she served in San Diego, Oakland and San Leandro, California; Bethesda, Maryland; Hawthorn, Nevada; Marianas Island, Guam; Yokosuka, Japan and Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. She was active in nursing education programs and instrumental in establishing a ward clerkship program. She was assigned as the first hospital infection surveillance nurse and was a Bureau of Medicine and Surgery sponsored lecturer.During her naval career she was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Meritorious Unit Commendation, Naval Reserve Medal, American Campaign, World War II Victory Medal and National Defense Services Medal with Bronze Star.When asked her feelings about her career, she said "The Navy is a good career for a nurse. It has been good to me. I have never regretted one minute of it!" Gladys' love of nursing will continue through two nursing scholarships in her name at BYU and U of U.After retiring Gladys enjoyed time traveling with her sisters to Israel, Europe, Canada, China and Mexico. A highlight of every year was their time spent at the Shakespeare Festive in Cedar City, Utah. Gladys enjoyed ballet, symphony and watching the Utah Jazz team play.She is preceded in death by her brothers, Stan Madsen, Harold Madsen, sisters Neola and Eva, and parents Estelle and Ernest Madsen. She is survived by her sister, Ruth Leavitt, and brother Russell Madsen.Graveside services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, March 15, 2012 at the Lehi City Cemetery, 1100 N. 400 E. under the directions of Lindquist's Bountiful Mortuary. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to her scholarships.Condolences may be shared at http://www.lindquistmortuary.com

Forum: Trying to Find

Obituary: CDR Janet Allen, NC, USN (RET)

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 03:36:51 GMT

Janet N. Allen
MIDDLETOWN - Janet N. Allen,

81, of Valley Road, Middletown, RI, died Tuesday, February 14, 2012 at Newport Hospital, Newport, RI.
Born in Rocky River, OH, on November 24, 1930, she was the daughter of the late Charles Edward and Jessie (Inghaus) Allen.
Ms. Allen graduated from Avon Village High School on May 27, 1948, the Elyria Memorial Hospital School of Nursing on September 19, 1952, passed her nursing boards in Ohio and was admitted as a registered nurse on January 23, 1953.
Janet entered active duty in the United Sates Navy Nurse Corps on October 25, 1959 and continued her education received a bachelor of science in nursing from the University of Washington on August 21, 1964, and became a Commander of the USN Nurse Corps on August 1, 1972. After a lengthy career in the Navy she retired from active duty in November of 1979.
She received service awards and commendations including; the National Defense Service Medal, the Navy Unit Commendation, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Cross of Gallantry. Janet served as Chapter Treasurer of the Military Order of the World Wars, she volunteered over nine years as an American Red Cross Volunteer at the Naval Ambulatory Care Center, Pharmacy Dept. of Newport, RI, she received a certificate of appreciation for the Retired Officers Association, was the recipient of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution award for military service during the Vietnam War and was also a volunteer for Meals on Wheels.
Ms. Allen was active in the Portsmouth United Methodist Church where she was a member of the church choir, and she was an avid reader. Janet lived in her home on Lisa Terrace in Portsmouth for over thirty years, and then moved to an apartment in Blenheim three years ago where she was very active in the many activities including the book club and music groups.
Janet was the youngest of seven children. Her sister Harriet Allen Jackson and several nephews and nieces of Ohio survive her.
Her twin sister who died shortly after birth, and her brothers, Glenn Allen, Charles Allen, Leslie Allen and Morris Allen, predeceased her.
Her funeral will be held on Saturday, February 18, 2012, at 11 a.m., at Portsmouth United Methodist Church, 2732 East Main Road, Portsmouth. Burial will be in Newport Memorial Park in Middletown.
Donations, in her memory, may be made to the Portsmouth United Methodist Church, 2732 East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI 02871.
Condolences, information and directions are available at http://www.memorialfuneralhome.com
Funeral arrangements are by Connors Funeral Home, 55 West Main Road, Portsmouth,
Note:
CDR Allen's last Duty Station was NRMC, PHILA

Forum: Trying to Find

Trying to find Donna Spencer

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 22:59:15 GMT

I'd like to touch base and see how she is doing after all these years, Can anyone help he?

Forum: Trying to Find

Obituary: LCDR Darolyn Hope Christiansen, NC USN (Ret)

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:32:53 GMT

DAROLYN HOPE CHRISTIANSEN

Darolyn Hope Christiansen of Wheaton Darolyn Hope Christiansen, 67, died on Sunday, Jan. 8, at her home in Wheaton. She was born June 28, 1944, in Toronto, Canada, to Douglas and Sarah Scott. Mrs. Christiansen served in the Navy Nurse Corps in Long Beach, Calif. and at the Subic Bay Naval Hospital in the Philippines during the Vietnam conflict. She is a retired lieutenant commander. She was a graduate from the Swedish Covanant School of Nursing in Chicago. She would later receive her graduate diploma in Biblical Studies from Multnamah Bible College in Portland, Oregon and her B.S.N. degree from the University of Illinois, Chicago. She was a 20-year employee of Delnor Hospital. She was a lifelong member of Wheaton Bible Church and was involved in various ministries. She served as a short term missionary/nurse in Bangladesh and India. Darolyn excelled as a mother and was an avid traveler, having visited 114 countries and seven continents. Darolyn is survived by her husband of 36 years, David; a daughter, Davia of Batavia, Ill.; son, Scott of Aurora, Ill.; three sisters, Sandra Scott of Wheaton, Laura (Peter) Pearson of Woodstock, Conn. and Cherry (Charles) West of Wheaton; and two brothers, Douglas Scott of Wheaton and Richard (Marilyn) Scott of Carol Stream. She was preceded in death by her parents. A memorial service was held at Wheaton Bible Church. Interment will be held privately at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be directed to Wheaton Bible Church. Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home in Wheaton at 630-668-0027.

Forum: Trying to Find

Obit: VADM J. Zimble, MC, USN (Ret)

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 20:10:50 GMT

James A. Zimble, Navy surgeon general, dies at 78

By Emily Langer, Published: December 29

Retired Vice Adm. James A. Zimble, who served as the Navy’s surgeon general and helped lead a review of military medical preparedness after the 1983 terrorist attack on a Marine Corps barracks in Lebanon, died Dec. 14 at a hospital in New London, Conn.

He was 78 and had coronary artery disease, said his son Daniel Zimble.

Retired Vice Adm. James A. Zimble worked for more than three decades in military medicine. Zimble died Dec. 14 at a hospital in New London, Conn., at age 78.

Adm. Zimble worked for more than three decades in military medicine. During his tenure as the Navy’s chief medical officer, from 1987 until 1991, he oversaw the deployment of hospital ships during the Persian Gulf War. He also sought to improve coordination among the surgeon general’s office and naval commands around the country through an institutional reorganization.

Earlier in his career, he served as a top medical officer of the Marine Corps, a fleet surgeon and as a deputy assistant defense secretary for medical affairs.

He was one of the senior officers appointed by Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger to evaluate military medical preparedness after the Oct. 23, 1983, terrorist truck bombing that killed 241 people at the Marine barracks in Beirut. The military had been criticized for mishandling care of the wounded servicemen, with the Army and Air Force allegedly competing for attention.

The “Zimble report,” as it was known, was made public in 1985. It focused on the European command and described a lack of coordinated planning for a catastrophe. The report was credited with prompting better training and other improvements in the military’s medical preparedness.

James Allen Zimble was born Oct. 12, 1933, in Philadelphia. He pursued a career in medicine in part because his parents were deaf; as a boy, he hoped to become a doctor and restore their hearing.

He received a bachelor’s degree in premedical studies from Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, Pa., in 1955 and a medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1959. He joined the Navy Reserve while in medical school.

Adm. Zimble trained in undersea medicine before pursuing a specialty in obstetrics and gynecology. Early in his career, he practiced at Navy hospitals in Pennsylvania, California and Florida.

After his military retirement, Adm. Zimble became president of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, where he established a nursing school. He retired in 2004.

His honors included the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Navy Distinguished Service Medal and several awards of the Legion of Merit.

His first marriage, to Judith Goldberg, ended in divorce. His second wife, Janet Bailey, died in 1994 after 25 years of marriage.

Survivors include his wife of 15 years, the former Mona Melton, of Salem, Conn.; two children from his first marriage, Amy Butterfield of La Jolla, Calif., and Jennifer Steffenilla of Midlothian, Va.; one son from his second marriage, Daniel Zimble of Cabin John; three stepchildren from his second marriage, David Richards of Tenafly, N.J., Jennifer Howell of Roswell, Ga., and Sue Slover of Reston; two stepchildren from his third marriage, Emily Zadjura and Rick Findley, both of Salem; and 12 grandchildren

Forum: General Discussion

Obituary: CDR Lucy A.Job, NC, USN (Ret)

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 14:33:03 GMT

CDR Lucy A. Job NC USN Retired
PORTSMOUTH - CDR Lucy Ann "Jane" Job, NC USN Retired,

age 88, of Sea Meadow Drive, Portsmouth, Rhode Island, died on Thursday, January 5, 2012.
She was the daughter of the late Nellie and William J. Job and was born in Schenectady, NY on December 13, 1923.
Her sister, CDR Florence K. Job, preceded her in death. She retired from active duty in 1975 after 21 years in the Navy Nurse Corps.
She received her RN from Flower-Fifth Avenue School of Nursing in New York City, her BSPHN from Catholic University of America in Washington, DC and her MA in Nursing Administration from Teachers College, Columbia University in New York City.
CDR Job's naval career included Instructor at Naval Hospital Corps School, San Diego, CA; Senior Nurse, military transport ships - the Sultan and the Gaffey; Senior Nurse, Sangley Hospital in the Philippines; and Assistant Chief Nurse at the Naval Regional Medical Center, Newport, Rhode Island. She also served as In-Service Educational Officer and Staffing Officer at other duty stations.
Following retirement, CDR Job took paralegal courses at Roger Williams College, Bristol, Rhode Island and taught Neurosurgical Nursing at the Newport Hospital School of Nursing. She and her sister traveled extensively. She initiated biannual luncheons for Navy Nurses in the northeast, which later became a chapter of the National Navy Nurse Corps Association. She served as treasurer, member of the scholarship committee and member of the Board of Directors of that organization.
She was a communicant of St. Anthony's Church in Portsmouth, Rhode Island.
She enjoyed reading, travel, bridge, music, and she loved animals.
Many cousins and friends survive her.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday, January 8, 2012, from 3-6 p.m. in the Connors Funeral Home, 55 West Main Road, Portsmouth, RI.
Her funeral will be held on Monday, January 9, 2012, at 9 a.m. from the Connors Funeral Home, followed by a mass of Christian burial at 10 a.m. at St. Anthony's Church, East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI. Burial will be on Tuesday, January 10, 2012 at 2 p.m. in St. Adalbert's Cemetery, Hamburg Street, Schenectady, NY.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the National Navy Nurse Corps Association, P.O. Box 5983, Virginia Beach, VA 23471, or the Potter League for Animals, 87 Oliphant Lane, Middletown, RI 02842.
Condolences, information and directions are available at http://www.memorialfunerahome.com

Forum: Trying to Find

Obituary: LCDR Yolande A. J. Williamson, NC, USNR,(Ret)

Sun, 25 Dec 2011 16:01:41 GMT

LCDR Yolande A.J. Williamson

July 11, 1922 - January 12, 2011

Melbourne, Florida

LCDR Yolande AJ Williamson, USNR passed peacefully to eternity on January 12, 2011.

The eldest of eight children, Yolande served as a nurse with the Military Air Evacuation Service. In her work with the Navy, she traveled all over the world. Among her many assignments, she participated in the first air evacuation of wounded from the Korean conflict.

She significantly contributed to the support of her parents and siblings, earning her the affection, respect, and admiration of all who knew her.

A native of Sanford, Maine, daughter of Phillip and Aldea Forest, she was predeceased by her parents,brothers Maurice of Dover, NH, Jerome, Raymond ,and Francis of Deland, FL, and Denis of Sanford, ME. She is survived by brothers Bertrand of Melbourne, FL and Claude of Springvale, ME.

A devoted lifelong Roman Catholic and lay Carmelite,she gave generously of herself to her church, family and extended family.

She leaves us for the reward she richly deserves and will be sorely missed.

Forum: Trying to Find

New Book by Retired Navy Nurse Sarah Black

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:15:59 GMT

Marathon Cowboys went on sale this past November 2011. Sarah has her own website.

Sarah Black is a fiction writer living in beautiful Boise, Idaho, the jewel of the American West. Sarah is a family nurse practitioner and works in a medical clinic that takes care of homeless folks (they have lots of great stories). Raised a Navy brat, she's lived all over the country. She and her son James recently moved to Boise from the Navajo reservation in Arizona. When she isn't writing, she's doing something with wool. She learned weaving out on the reservation and now has her eye on an antique circular sock knitting machine.

Forum: General Discussion

Obituary: LCDR Joyce J. Hoover, NC, USN (Ret)

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 01:44:57 GMT

Joyce Janelle Hoover

| Visit Guest Book

Joyce Janelle Hoover Joyce Janelle Hoover left this world on February 26, 2011, in the company of family and friends who loved her. She was born in Saint Jo, Montague County, Texas in 1927. Upon graduation from high school at the tender age of 16, she started nursing school at Harris Hospital School in Fort Worth, Texas. World War II had just ended and having seen the film So Proudly We Hail, she was sure her future was in the military. She was commissioned as an ensign to the U.S. Navy in 1947. During her twenty years of service, she served on land, sea, and in the air. She retired from the Navy in 1968 with the rank of LCDR, USN. During her tenure in the Navy, she earned degrees from the University of Minnesota and theUniversity of Washington, a B.S. in Nursing Education and a Master of Nursing, respectively. She then worked with the Texas State Department of Health as a Nurse Consultant from the Medicare Program for three years. From 1971 to 1987, she was the Director Continuing Education for nurses at the U.T. School of Nursing. Upon retirement from U.T., she enjoyed traveling for many years. She believed moving to Westminster Manor in 2006 was like boarding a "Cruise Ship that never leaves the dock." While living there, she was active in U.T. LAMP (Learning Activities for Mature People) and as the Navy Representative of the Austin chapter of the Military Officers Association of America. She is survived by ten nieces and nephews, twenty-seven grand nieces and nephews and an unknown number of great grand nieces and nephews. She is also survived by the many friends she has made over a lifetime of good cheer and the afternoon cocktail. She will be missed. A Memorial Service will be held at Westminster Manor, 4100 Jackson, Austin, Texas, at 2:00 p.m. at Sunday March 6, 2011. Memorial contributions in her honor should go to UT School of Nursing or the charity of your choice.

Forum: Trying to Find

Those recruited by Joyce Hoover

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 13:53:47 GMT

The late Joyce Hoover was NC recruiter in Dallas, Texas during the early 1960s , were you recruited by LCdr Hoover?

Forum: Trying to Find

100 year old Navy Nurse Celebrates Birthday

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 13:29:33 GMT

RETSIL — With Grace Davis devoting much of her life to Navy nursing, it was appropriate that Navy nurses helped celebrate her 100th birthday Thursday at the Washington Veterans Home.

"We take care of our own," said Capt. Iris Boehnke, director of nursing services at Naval Hospital Bremerton, who brought about 15 co-workers to the party. "You're always a Navy nurse."

Davis, a New Jersey native, earned a nursing degree in 1936. In 1943, during the heart of World War II, she joined the Navy.

"She said, 'I want to help my country,'" said niece Helen Sanderson, who flew from Florida for the event. Cousin Susan Didricksen and husband Kent traveled from Texas. They're Davis' only relatives.

A lieutenant commander, she wrapped up a 21-year career in 1964 after a third stint at Naval Hospital Bremerton.

"She's always been very proud of being in the Navy," Susan Didricksen said. "She helped deliver a lot of babies. She gave up a lot to do this."

Davis said she loved getting orders and traveling to new places. Besides Bremerton, she worked in San Diego, Hawaii and Japan.

Jean Ritchey of Bremerton met Davis more than 50 years ago when they worked together in Yokosuka.

"She was excellent," Ritchey said. "So caring. You couldn't say a bad thing about her."

Davis met future husband Edwin Davis in San Diego, where they both served. They married in 1955. They moved into the veterans home in April 2008. Edwin, a retired Navy commander, passed away about a year later.

Friends and Retsil residents packed the activity room Thursday to wish Davis a happy centennial.

"I appreciate all of you coming," Davis told the group. "I have lots of pleasant memories from the past. You must come again and visit. It helps to have old-timers drop in and reminisce. That's what we do best."

Letters from the Obamas and Gov. Gregoire were read, congratulating Davis on her birthday and thanking her for her service.

"You have witnessed great milestones in our nation's history and your life represents an important part of the American story," said the president's card.

Asked for her keys to a long life, Davis said taking everything in moderation, contentment at home and meeting nice people with similar interests.

Forum: General Discussion