In Her Own Words

“I really enjoyed my time in the military. It taught me how to be a nurse and then I was a nurse for the rest of my life. I worked all over as a nurse in private care, I truly found my passion in the military as a Medical Specialist. I was an intensive care nurse at Critical Care & Intensive Care at the Phoenix VA Hospital where I retired from. I aspired to be like Elizabeth Taylor.”

Barbara Warner was born on October 7, 1943. A resident of New Hampshire, she entered the United States Army during the Vietnam War era. Her time in the military was foundational, as she served as a Medical Specialist, a role that defined her professional identity for the rest of her life.

While stationed in Oklahoma, her dedication to patient care was so profound that a couple she treated, Gertrude and Fred, insisted on paying for her wedding and her dress as a gesture of gratitude. This experience underscored the deep personal impact she had on those under her care while in uniform.

Following her honorable service, Barbara transitioned her military training into a lifelong career in nursing. She worked in various private care settings before joining the Phoenix VA Hospital. There, she specialized in high-stakes environments, serving as an Intensive Care and Critical Care nurse until her retirement.

Barbara passed away on November 25, 2024, having spent her life dedicated to the medical profession she discovered while serving her country.