Retired nurses explore Keesler Medical Center

Published Aug. 29, 2014
By Steve Pivnick
81st Training Wing Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Sixteen members of the Air Force Society of Retired Nurses toured Keesler Medical Center and viewed a special program arranged for their visit Aug. 22.

The group included two nurses who were among medics accompanying U.S. prisoners of war on flights from Hanoi and Saigon as they were repatriated during "Operation Homecoming" in February 1973.

After welcoming remarks by Col. (Dr.) Tom Harrell, 81st Medical Group commander, and Col. Dwayne Wilhite, 81st Surgical Operations Squadron perioperative nursing master clinician, the group visited several areas of the medical center to view current patient care and state-of-the-art training available to the medical staff.

The group toured the Patient Simulation Lab, Emergency Department, Surgical Inpatient Unit, Intensive Care Unit and Family Birthing Center (Labor and Delivery).

At the tour's conclusion, the former nurses were treated to a briefing and displays of historical Women in the Air Force and nurses' uniforms provided by retired Lt. Col. David Shultz, who retired in 2007, with 29 years of Air Force service.

"My interest in military history dates back to the 60s and upon retirement I became curator of the Texas Air Museum in San Antonio," Shultz said.

He cares for all static displays and manages their Air Force Heritage Collection, an exhibit of both men's and women's Army and Air Force uniforms of all eras that can be tailored for specific audiences.

"I've been heavily involved with supporting numerous special occasions around the country with both Army and Air Force displays since standing up the Air Force Heritage Collection," he added.

The exhibit has been the subject of Air Force-and military-related publications including base newspapers, "Airman Magazine," "Stars and Stripes" and "Air Force Times." He also co-authored a three-volume set of books about the evolution of the Air Force uniform titled "Into the Blue."

In addition, Shultz has served as a military technical advisor for a television show and a major motion picture. He and his wife Sonya reside in Universal City, Texas.

Retired nurses tour KMC