Army nurse’s strengths should be applauded not dismissed

Maria Gomez, Major, US Army, Retired

Disneyland. The Happiest Place on Earth, right? For some, yes. Others, not so much. But even if you are not a fan of Mickey Mouse, comparing military service to riding Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride and visiting Mickey in Toon Town is a slap in the face whether intended or not. Recently, Maria Gomez, a member of Warrioress League 209, encountered such hurtful words while at a military fundraiser. A reminder of just how often a woman veteran’s service is invisible. Overlooked. Downplayed.

Last month Maria shared the severe contrast between the idyllic Disneyland visit to the reality of her military service.  She volunteered to serve our country by joining the Army in 1976 when nurses were desperately needed for the many broken and dying soldiers returning from Vietnam. After training to become an Army nurse she found her first duty station not far from home in the central valley of California at the beautiful Presidio of San Francisco overlooking the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. 

Maria’s instructions upon arrival. Deny your military service outside the hospital. Simply say you are a nurse. Change out of your military uniform into civilian clothes before leaving your shift at Letterman Medical Center. Be aware that you will not be received well.  Be prepared to be spit at. To have insults slung at you and insults the likes of “baby killer” branded on your patients who bravely answered the call of their country. Our country. The United States of America. 

In training, nurses are prepared with the skills to care for patients. But so much of what nurses do isn’t taught. How does a nurse become the mother? The Sister? The Wife? The Girlfriend? The Battle Buddy? The Spiritual Leader that doesn’t come to the hospital, but whom the patient most desperately needs?  How does a nurse provide hope when doctors have no remedies or the knowledge to cure cancer, no ability to bring back limbs, or no training to address PTSD? How do nurses maintain their morality when they are tasked to cover bottles labeled “Not for human consumption” so that patients won’t truly see the “cure” for their ailments? And then, how do nurses care for themselves when they are asked to hide their true identities, their jobs, and their service?

Nurses have always been heroes. Heroes yet silent and unsung. Recently, this vital, but downplayed occupation has come to the forefront. As it should, nurses’ visibility has never been more seen, recognized, and celebrated than since the worldwide Covid pandemic in which their status was raised to First Responders because of their strength. Their commitment. Their compassion.  

This same strength, commitment, and compassion guided Maria as she served our country. She served quietly. She served unrecognized.  She served faithfully. She served selflessly. She served courageously. She served not just her original term of service, but for twenty years. Committed to serving. No fame. No fortune. For twenty years, retiring from the military in 1996 as an Army Nurse, as Major Gomez.  

Maria, we see you. We hear you. Be empowered. When they call to recognize Vietnam veterans, stand proud. Do not stay seated. You may not have been in Vietnam, but your battle was that of Vietnam. Your service is honorable. Your battle is painful. Your spirit is courageous. Your job is worthy. No less than other battles fought for the freedom and liberties we have in America. Share your story. It needs to be heard.

Don’t ever tell Maria, or any Army nurse especially those who cared for soldiers of the Vietnam War, she served in the happiest place on Earth. Do better.

By  Debbie Gifford
U.S. Army veteran

Posted April 16, 2026