Spotlighting Long-Time Member: Doris Jones, RN Ret. Army
She has been selected for the Veterans Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.
It was the late 1960's and Doris had just completed the Licensed Practical Nurse Program and the Vietnam War was ramping up. She knew she wanted to Serve and joined the Army soon after graduation. She was stationed at Fort Sam Houston Texas Hospital and then Fort Lee, Virginia for basic combat training called 91 Charlie. After extensive nursing training State Side, she was sent to Cam Ranh Bay which is located in the Khanh Hoa Province. It was a critical location for logistics, handling fuel and ammunition as well as the 12th MASH Unit for the USAF. Here is where Doris worked 6 days a week, 12-hour shifts with the constant noise of gunfire, high pitched sonic cracks and bone rattling explosions from rocket and mortar. The work was physically demanding and mentally tough. The exhaustive work of mending soldiers was critical in the care of over 400,000 wounded. The 12th was the primary receiving point for medical evacuations (MEDEVAC) flights, treating trauma from wounds, burns, diseases and high casualty events.
Doris was sent State Side a year later to Miami and found many Americans were angry with the US's involvement in the Vietnam War. Soldier's bore the brunt of their frustration and vets like Doris were called "Murderers" and spit on. It was her love of the equestrian world and being outdoors that kept the mental stress of war at bay. In addition, she joined a pistol club and found solace in shooting.
Doris retired after 20 years served but remains active in her Church, the American Legion and is a Disabled American Veteran member. She earned many well-deserved accommodations in her long military career.
In 2025 her application was submitted for the Honor Flight which has been a dream of Doris's for close to 10 years. On April 13, 2026, this dream will become a reality. Doris will be accompanied by her cousin, Cecilia McCann from Geneva, NY.
Keep Soaring Doris.
By, Maria Ayme' RN BSN
USN Veteran (1987-1992)