JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
Sixteen years ago, after making his decision to join the Air Force, Maj. James O’Neill never expected he would receive a Bronze Star Medal. O’Neill alongside seven members of the Air Force Mobile Field Surgical Team were honored here for their meritorious achievement for saving lives while deployed recently.
O’Neill, a 779th Surgical Operations Squadron operating room nurse, is stationed at Joint Base Andrews, Md. and works at the Malcolm Grow Medical Center. He has deployed four times throughout his 13 years as an Air Force Nurse.
“I’ve taken care of troops who have been through the worst battle trauma,” said O’Neill. “I’ve had times where I had to assist amputating limbs and care for patients who didn’t have a face. I’ve met lots of injured and brave service members while serving as a nurse, and to be able to help them when they need it the most feels so rewarding.”
It’s actions like these that are recognized annually on International Nurses Day, May 12. This is a time to acknowledge, honor and celebrate the contributions of the estimated 5,000 active duty, reserve and Air National Guard serving in the Air Force Nurse Corps like O’Neill.
O’Neill’s job as an operating room nurse is to assess and implement patient care before, during and after surgery. He displayed these skills during his first deployment to Balad, Iraq.
“While in Balad I had an unconscious patient come into the operating room during a trauma call due to an improvised explosive device blast,” O’Neill said. “We were able to take care of his wounds and fortunately there were no amputations. When he woke up after surgery, the first thing he asked was, ‘Do I still have my legs?’ It was such a happy moment to be able to respond with ‘yes and you’re going to recover great’ and see the relief on his face.”
O’Neill stated he is really glad to make lifesaving contributions as a nurse in the Air Force.
“Putting our patients’ care first drives everything we do,” said Col. Allan Chambers, 779th SOS commander. “O’Neill’s values and adaptability are strong. Those two key attributes are essential to being an Air Force Nurse. He displays that in the operating room and deployed environment.”
While deployed and at home station O’Neill is required to be flexible and resilient to meet his very demanding work environment. Patients need 24-hour care, causing O’Neill to regularly work nights, weekends and holidays. His days are very fast paced with multiple patients he constantly attends to.
“My job gives me the opportunity to help those defending this country,” O’Neill said. “I’m very proud to take care of true warriors who are on the front lines. I am honored to be able to save life and limb. Being an Air Force nurse allows me to have that honor.”