Army nurse shares the unusual start to her military career: ‘Many people lived because I was there’

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — One of the most well-respected careers in the military is that of a nurse. They provide care and comfort to those in need and make a difference in the lives of those they serve. WATE’s Don Dare spoke with an army nurse who started her career a little later in life.

Lee Ann Adams began her 24-year career in the US Army in an unusual manner. When commissioned to First Lieutenant, she was a mom with two kids.

“Having had a family and children, I waited until I was 36 years old,” Adams said. “Went to a recruiting station and said, ‘I want to join.'”

She joined the Nursing Corps having been a civilian nurse for 16 years.

“And I’m running two-mile runs, I am climbing over 10-foot tall wooden pillars,” said Adams. “I was definitely one of the older people in the class.”

As she rose through the ranks, she served as an Obstetrics and Operating Room nurse, but she had a bigger goal.

“I had dreams of going to anesthesia school, and becoming a nurse anesthetist,” said Adams.

The army told her that fulfilling that dream would take three years. But Adams was at the right place at the right time.

“After a lot of talk and several General’s approvals. They were in need so they let me go to the University of Texas for my nurse anesthetist degree,” said Adams.

It would be in Iraq that Colonel Adams’ skills were put to the test. Her first tour of duty was in the hospital at Balad Air Force Base. When asked what it was like to take care of the men in Iraq, she said, “It was amazing. Many didn’t make it. I still have nightmares about many of them.”

“Their bodies received injuries that you just couldn’t imagine,” she said. “Some lived through and some didn’t.”

Both of Adams’ sons joined the Army. She even got to be with one of them while on duty. Then, a second tour in Iraq at the remote Contingency Operating Station Garry Owen.

“I was there. I saved lives. I hang onto that. Many people lived because I was there,” said Adams.

Once back from Iraq, she served in Kosovo, then at several US bases. She retired in 2013 and then assumed new volunteer duties. She joined the VFW, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and AmVets, a service organization. Recently, she received the Silver Award as Tennessee’s AmVet of the Year.

“Although I do still have memories and some issues, which who doesn’t? I have it far better off than a lot do. I think we should, we should serve our veterans. Yes, I am one. But I am able to give to others. That’s what I want to do,” said Adams.

If you know a Veteran who could be recognized, send Don Dare an email at ddare@wate.com or give him a call at 865-633-6923.

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