JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
Women are notorious for wearing several hats. In fact, it has been decades since the majority of women were known as housewives. Nowadays, the same high-level of care women place into the details of keeping a home running smoothly are being distributed to work and education as well.
Col. Jacqueline A. Payne-Borden goes above and beyond the call of work and education; rising to the call of duty, she also serves her nation. After direct commissioning into the U.S. Air Force Reserve as a "fit test," Payne went active duty from 1988-1994. Since 1995, she continues to be a force multiplier as an Individual Mobilized Augmentee (IMA) in the U.S. Air Force Reserves Nurses Corps.
"I'm glad that women are recognized as professionals," said Payne. "Now, women are even allowed to serve on the front line."
While on active-duty, Payne was assigned to Andrews, she worked on a 40-bed medical unit for men, an 11-bed multi-service VIP unit and a 25-bed mental health unit. Additionally, as a captain here, she was one of only two Psychiatric Nurse Liaisons for a medical center of more than 300 beds.
During her time here she cared for many patients, among many, meeting one stands out as highly-memorable, she said.
"I was able to meet Malcolm Grow's wife on the VIP unit in her final days," she stated.
The Bowie State professor brings a diverse background in nursing and education makes her an invaluable asset to the force. She is currently an IMA to the Director of Medical Education and Training.
At the 779th Medical Group, Borden has applied her vast knowledge in the acupuncture center there for the past four years. She works with different equipment to help patients better manage pain.
"We are using the Calmare machine, a newer technology used to treat neuropathic pain," said Borden. "The most rewarding aspect of working here is seeing patients who come in really sad and broken leave with zero pain."
The Jamaican-American psychiatric nurse hailing from the Caribbean had to learn to proudly promote her career success and all that she knows.
"In the Caribbean, you don't toot your own horn; it's your people that toot it for you," she said. "Here if you're going to reach your goals, you must profess what you know."
Professing knowledge of one's abilities was just a fragment of the encouraging words the wife and mother of four expressed.
"The sky is not the limit you can go beyond that," she said. "You only need to know your goal and set your sights on what you want, stay the course and believe in yourself. Also, read the fine print. If you know the criteria you can achieve your goals. If you need Air War College get that done; if you need a Master's, go get it. There are ways to accomplish your goals, never have an excuse."