Courtesy Photo | U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Lauren Burgess, a nurse assigned to the 116th Medical Group,...... read more read more
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ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. – When United States Air Force Tech. Sgt. Lauren Burgess, a medical technician for the 116th Medical Group, 116th Air Control Wing, first decided to pursue nursing over 8 years ago, her motivation came from her desire to have a career that was essential and allowed her to help people.
On May 1, amid the current public health crisis and dire need for doctors and nurses throughout the state and country, 1st Lt. Lauren Burgess was able to take the Oath of Office virtually making her dream of becoming a commissioned officer and a nurse in the U.S. Air Force a reality.
Maj. Jenny Finch, a nurse assigned to the 116 MDG, administered the oath of office for Burgess.
“It is always rewarding to be involved with gaining a good officer and nurse no matter what the circumstances are, but the fact that the swearing in ceremony occurred in the midst of a pandemic is even more gratifying,” said Finch. “It is a testament to the perseverance that always seems to define nurses and military members.”
Until the current 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic, Burgess never imagined how essential her profession would be serving on the frontlines of something like this as a COVID-19 nurse at Houston Medical Center in Warner Robins, Georgia.
“It has been an eye opening experience,” said Burgess. “One day everything was normal and then poof, everything went crazy. I’ve felt like we’ve been working in the trenches fighting blind but learning as we go, getting better and better each day, with each new experience."
Burgess has been a member of the 116th Medical Group since 2012, where she has served in the immunizations office as the non-commissioned officer in-charge. She also obtained her registered nurse certification from Kellogg Community College in Michigan the same year. In 2015, Burgess completed her Bachelor of Science in nursing making her eligible to become a commissioned officer.
Burgess explained that she has always wanted to serve as a nurse in the military but that the timing has never been right, until now.
She will not only bring her job experience from working as a bedside nurse with Houston Medical Center, but as a former 116 MDG medical technician she also brings a wealth of knowledge and will be a great mentor to current and future Airmen, Finch added.
“I’m appreciative for the opportunity to commission and I look forward to seeing what the future holds,” said Burgess.
The 116 Medical Group offers many opportunities for medical professionals to serve on a part-time, or full-time, basis according to Senior Master Sgt. Jose Padilla. The medical group recruiter for the Georgia Air National Guard is currently working with 20 other medical professionals interested in joining the Georgia Air National Guard.
| Date Taken: | 05.12.2020 |
| Date Posted: | 05.15.2020 17:30 |
| Story ID: | 370006 |
| Location: | WARNER ROBINS, GEORGIA, US |
| Web Views: | 99 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Houston County citizen Airman nurse commissions to 1st Lieutenant in the Georgia Air National Guard amid COVID-19 pandemic, by MSgt Caila Arahood, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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