Military Branch, Rank, and Unit:
Lieutenant Colonel, USAF, Nurse Corps

Duty Station:
3rd Medical Group, Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska

Hometown:
Columbia, Missouri

Personal Profile:
I am one of only 17 midwives in the Air Force.  I joined the AF in 1986 as an RN.  They sent me to school at Georgetown for my Master's.  I once got into an argument with a pilot about who has the best job in the Air Force.  Of course we never resolved that. 

It's really an honor to be part of such a life-changing moment.  The goal of birth is to help the mother feel empowered.  After the delivery, all the credit goes to the mom.  "You did it," I tell her.  "I just stood there and caught the baby."  I like to think they feel, "Rah, I am woman!" 

I have practiced as a CNM for 12+ years now.  I am planning to retire next summer and move to Missouri if I can find a midwifery position.  Even after my Air Force days have ended, I won't be doing anything else.  Midwifery is not my job -- it's what I am.




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