On Veterans Day, November 11, 2024, we honor those who have served our country in uniform and beyond. One such veteran, Corey Scott, now a nursing student set to graduate this Fall of 2024, embodies the journey of resilience, growth, and a profound sense of purpose that defines so many veterans transitioning into new careers. Corey’s path from airborne infantryman to nursing student reflects the courage, commitment, and dedication many veterans bring to healthcare.

A need for direction shaped Corey’s journey into the military. “What inspired me to join the military was the fear of letting myself down,” he explains. After his first attempt at college, Corey felt uncertain about his future and recognized a need for maturity and growth. The military, particularly the airborne infantry, provided him with the structure and discipline he was seeking. But it also came with high stakes. “While serving as an airborne infantryman, I realized that one mistake could be fatal,” he recalls. His role as an infantryman instilled in him a profound appreciation for life, responsibility, and the impact of every action.

However, Corey's service came with sacrifices. During an airborne operation, he sustained severe, life-changing injuries that led him to question his future. He faced a long and painful rehabilitation process, one that spanned years overseas. This difficult period, though challenging, introduced him to four nurses who would ultimately change his life and his outlook on what service could mean.

For Corey, these nurses were more than just healthcare providers; they became lifelines. "They consistently cared for me in ways that went beyond the physical—they supported me mentally, physically, and spiritually,” he reflects. The compassion and dedication these nurses showed sparked something within him. Corey realized he wanted to give back, to offer that same level of empathy, dedication, and skilled care to others in need. His experiences led him to pursue a career in nursing, where he could be the kind of caregiver who brings healing on multiple levels.

In Fall 2022, Corey began his studies in nursing, fueled by his goal to become a cardiovascular intensive care unit (CVICU) nurse and ultimately a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). His ambition is to offer others the level of care that profoundly impacted his own recovery.

Transitioning into nursing has not been without its challenges. Corey’s physical injuries remain a part of his daily life, serving as a reminder of his service and the price he paid. Yet, he views these obstacles as part of his mission, inspiring him to work harder and push forward. His determination and grit shine through, qualities he credits to his military background, where discipline and resilience were paramount.

Corey’s story illustrates the unique strengths veterans bring to nursing. Veterans like Corey offer unwavering dedication, a deep sense of duty, and an ability to remain calm under pressure—qualities that enrich the field of healthcare. For Corey and others like him, nursing becomes an extension of their service, a new way to protect, support, and uplift others.

This Veterans Day, we thank Corey and our nursing student veterans who have transformed their experiences into a new form of service. Their commitment to compassionate, holistic care inspires us all, and we are grateful for the continued contributions they make in and out of uniform. Today, let's remember that some missions continue even after the uniform is put away. For Corey and countless veterans, their journey of service is never truly over—it just takes on new meaning.