Article Provided by Ronda Kamahele

I was born in Baltimore, MD. Like my Father, I joined the Army. Even though I wanted to be in the military, I had a passion for helping others. This desire to help others lead me to work at the First Aid CPR Local Fire Company at age 14. At age 16, I worked at the Joppa Magnolia Volunteer Fire Dept and then progressed to the Emergency Medical Technician – Certified. While waiting to join the military, I entered Jr. and Sr. High School at Harford Technical High School Nursing Assistant Program. I am so grateful for my education that followed at the Medix School Towson, MD Certified Medical Assistant and Job Johns Hopkins Hospital ER as a Technician, because this prepared me to my career in the Army Reserve. I graduated with an AA Degree from Harford Community College in January 1986.

My military career lasted for 8 years as follows:

1988-1989 Army Reserve 100th Station Hospital Army Nurse Corp.
1988-1989 Concurrently-Walter Reed Army Medical Center Washington DC
1989-1995 Army National Guard 136th Combat Support Hospital

I earned the following metals and awards:

  • Army Commendation Metal x 1
  • Army Achievement Metal x 1
  • Army Service Ribbon
  • Army Reserve Component Overseas Training
  • Army Commendation Ribbon
  • National Defense Service Ribbon
  • Army Achievement Medal

The Army reinforced leadership qualities and skills that I used throughout my career. The military has a way of moving you out of your “comfort zone” which really helped me in the service and as a nurse. I resigned my commission after eight years of military service due to medical issues. I was honored to serve in the Maryland National Guard and to be a part of the Army Nurse Corp for the time I was there.

Before completing my military career, I continued my nursing education earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) 1992 from University of Maryland Baltimore County. Next, I completed my master’s in nursing from Wilmington University in 2005. Becoming a Nurse Practitioner was a highlight of my career. I continued serving the military population by working with Veterans at Veteran’s Health Administration. It was an honor go give back in this way by serving our nation’s Veterans and educating nursing staff as a Nursing Educator for 25 years.

The Army reinforced leadership qualities and skills that I used throughout my career. I resigned my commission after eight years of service due to medical issues. The Army assists you with stepping out of your comfort zone as a nurse.

I am honored to serve in the Maryland National Guard and to be a part of the Army Nurse Corp. Now I spend time in ministry to others with my church and helping those in need. I live happily with my dog Buddy and my cat Hamish.

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