Loachapoka nurse joins Army Reserve

By Lisa SimunaciMarch 26, 2013

New Army nurse
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

COLUMBUS, Ga. - A nurse who works at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, Ala., made a move this week that will expand her career.

Rashida Willis joined the Army Reserve on Monday and was commissioned as a first lieutenant in the Army Nurse Corps. "I'm hoping to learn something new, meet new people and further my education," Willis said. "I have three cousins in the Army, so I know this is a good opportunity."

The new lieutenant is from Loachapoka, Ala., and earned her bachelor's degree in nursing from Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Ala., in 2010.

Willis' military commitment allows her to keep her full-time job and train one weekend each month and approximately two weeks each year with the 75th Combat Support Hospital at Fort Gillem, Ga. At some point in the future, Willis said she also may consider an active duty Army career.

Army Medical Recruiter Sgt. 1st Class Brian Krietzer said the Army continues to look for qualified nurses to serve in both Army Reserve and active duty positions. "We are able to provide some financial incentives, such as loan repayment," Krietzer said. "But for most of our healthcare providers, taking care of soldiers and their families is the ultimate reward."