Meet Staff Sergeant Susan Kelley, a retired RN who credits her long and successful career in nursing to the US Army Reserves. Susan shares her story of how she enlisted in the Reserves in 1980, looking to supplement her income and advance her education. She talks about her basic training at Fort McClellan, Alabama, and her AIT training as a medic at Fort Sam Houston, Texas.

Susan then describes her experience being placed on active duty for nursing school, which allowed her to focus on her studies without having to work other than her monthly drills. She talks about her pride in becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in 1982 and the fulfillment she found in serving her country.

Susan also discusses her experiences during her annual training requirements, traveling to different Army bases around the country and getting a taste of what it was like to be a full-time soldier. She talks about the friends she made along the way and the valuable skills she learned.

After serving for eight years and reaching the rank of Sergeant, Susan left the Army Reserves in 1988. However, she was deeply impacted by her experience, and she felt a pang of guilt when her unit was deployed to Desert Storm shortly after her discharge.

Susan went on to complete her nursing degree and become a registered nurse. She is now retired, but she remains proud of her service in the US Army Reserves and the way it helped her launch her nursing career. She is also proud of her niece, who is following in her footsteps and has recently graduated from basic training.

This is an inspiring story of how one woman's decision to join the US Army Reserves led to a fulfilling career in nursing. It is a story of dedication, service, and the power of education.