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6 October 30, 2015 News BULLSEYE
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AF Reservists turned nursing students PTSD, from page 2_____________ It took a moment for me to get myself
graduate with assistance from NDVS back together but I pushed on. After that
my WWP alumni and some of the people I’ve mile, I put my headphones back on and
From the Nevada Department of Veterans Services vada in revising its LPN educational served with who are no longer with us run- focused. At mile 20, the bridge was a chal-
platform to accommodate veterans ning alongside me, motivating me when I’m lenge, and at mile 21, the sprain I had in my
LAS VEGAS — It’s long been who experienced military Medic or hitting that wall. right ankle a few weeks ago came back with
known that many individuals who Corpsman training and hands-on a vengeance.
serve in the military are taught spe- work in the field. Since I began running in earnest three
cialized skills in various disciplines. years ago when I left the Air Force, I’ve lost 40 The sprain had flared up my tendinitis,
“Because of our grant, the sup- pounds and have gone from a 16-minute mile and my right ankle was hurting a little before
But at the same time, when these port of the Nevada State Board of to a 10:30-mile pace. The running community I had even started so I knew it would be an
veterans return to civilian life and Nursing, and the College of South- is very supportive and always there if you need issue but I was able to ignore it most of the
apply for jobs or enroll for college ern Nevada’s commitment to veter- them or you can run it solo, whatever you’re run but by mile 21, it hurt so bad I couldn’t
within their skill sets, they are often ans and the military, the school now more comfortable with. run on it anymore so I had to walk most of
not given credit for the talent and offers a 15-credit, one-semester pro- the rest of the way from mile 21 to 26.
knowledge they acquired in the gram that bridges the gaps between The night before the marathon, I had
service. a veteran’s military education and trouble sleeping, and I had a few nightmares Throughout the course, I saw signs like
experience,” said Kat Miller, NDVS about my attack. When I woke up, I threw on “determined,” “remember your training”
Nevada has developed several director. “The topics of instruction my WWP shirt, my “PTSD, not all wounds and “freedom isn’t free, thank you for your
programs that seek to resolve such include didactic, laboratory and are visible” hat, running shoes and pants, and service.” Many people had photos honoring
divisive conditions. clinical experiences in practical running belt with my bib attached and took service men and women who had fallen. It
nursing, and includes concepts and the metro in to the Pentagon for the start line. was very inspirational. I used this energy to
One such program recently saw theories related to patient care. It’s a I was nervous and excited. The crowds are the push me forward most of my run. I finished
three Nevada students graduate as real honor and pleasure to know that hardest part for me, but I just told myself, “Just in 5:10:07 and earned my medal from the
licensed practical nurses without our state is able to help veterans in breathe.” I just remind myself why I’m there Marine graduate at the Iwo Jima Memorial.
having to start their educational this manner. I look forward to many and just try to focus on something else and
process from the beginning. The more graduates in the future.” try to calm down. This journey from hitting bottom, crying
medical experience they all have all the time, gaining weight, losing myself be-
from their time in the military com- Two of the graduates serve in the The security was crazy, but I got to my cause of what happened with how I handled
pensated for the novice classes they Air Force Reserve: Senior Airman corral just in time. I started out a little fast the assault and losing my job to now, having
would have been required to take. Charlina Linam, a member of the but kept up about an 11-minute pace until a good job, earning medals for running half
Air Force since 2007, and Tech. Sgt. mile 16 or so. My main goal was to “Beat the marathons and now a marathon has been
The process was aided by a finan- Shari-Apryll Tauro, who has served Bridge” but I really wanted to finish below interesting.
cial grant from the Nevada Depart- since 2003. five hours. At mile 12, I was overcome with
ment of Veterans Services, which emotion because it’s the mile of remembrance. I encourage everyone to venture out there
assisted the College of Southern Ne- You see rows of photos of the fallen. I saw one and follow your dreams. Go out and run or
runner getting very emotional over someone walk a 5K, then a 10K. The running com-
who meant a great deal to him. munity is very supportive. You never know
where your feet will take you.
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