AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar -- National Nurses Week recognizes nurses and members of the medical field for their commitment and dedication to helping others. National Nurses Week was officially recognized by the U.S. government in February 1974 when President Nixon signed a proclamation granting permission to designate a specific time to nationally recognize nurses. In 1982, President Reagan legally acknowledged May 6th as “National Recognition Day for Nurses.” Ten years later, the American Nurse Associations’ Board of Directors expanded the recognition of nurses day to a week-long celebration declaring National Nurses Week from May 6th - 12th every year.
In honor of National Nurses Week, meet one of this month’s Portrait of an Airman, Maj. Kelly Prigge, who is the officer in charge of the En Route Patient Staging Flight at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar. One of the main responsibilities of this unit is receiving injured patients being flown in from various deployed locations and ensuring their safe transport to a facility that can fully support the sustained injuries.
Home unit: Peterson Air Force Base Colorado Springs, Colorado
Favorite part of the job: “I have always enjoyed working and taking care of people … it is important not only to take care of our Airmen as well Soldiers but continue to integrate with other military branches.”
Future goals: “I like a challenge and continuing to grow. I look forward to taking commander positions, starting with a flight and moving up to squadron.”
Favorite military books: Unbroken and Lone Survivor.