Women In Uniform | Becoming a Commissioned Officer
For six years, Lyndsey served in the USAF as a 46N3E, Critical Care Registered Nurse. After attending Commissioned Officer Training, she was stationed at Wright Patterson AFB in Ohio for four years, then spent the last two years of her Active Duty career at Walter Reed in Bethesda, Maryland. She now serves in the Air National Guard at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Michigan.
Captain Lyndsey Rigby, US Air Force Service Member and March 2019 Missilette
Caring for our Nation's Heroes as an ICU Nurse at Walter Reed Hospital
She says that working at Walter Reed, where many of our Wounded Warriors returning home injured from Afghanistan are treated, was one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of her life. As a surgical ICU nurse, Lyndsey took care of patients that were injured by IED blasts, road side bombs, gunshot wounds, suicide bombers, helicopter crashes: you name it! She says that there were days where she felt that no matter what she did, it was not enough for the men and women who had risked it all to defend our country.
“My advice to all women is to just go for it! Do not let anyone or anything stand in your way! The only thing that can hold you back is yourself!”
Heroic Actions by Female Military Service Member
Lyndsey also served as the lead medevac RN, transporting patients between Walter Reed and Andrews AFB. During one transport, she and her team (two Air Force RNs, a Navy Corpsman and an Army medic) responded to an accident on the Capital Beltway, providing emergent care and safely transporting the injured to the nearest civilian facility. Lyndsey and her team were recognized for their actions and she was awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal.
“I am not one that likes to be at the center of attention but I am honored and humbled to be nominated for this. It makes me emotional (in a good way) to be recognized in this way!”
Lyndsey Rigby on her nomination as March 2019 Missilette
Transitioning from Active Duty Military To Civilian Life
Today, she is an RN in the Beaumont Medical Group, working in a clinic and adjusting to the “low-key environment.” While she misses the fast-paced craziness of the ICU, Lyndsey also recognizes a need for an emotional break from the trauma. In her free time, she celebrates family, especially her older sister, and enjoys a good pint of IPA craft beer. In her words: “Although I am no longer active duty, the Air Force Core Values of integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do – are values that I will carry with me in both my professional and personal life forever.”
Special thanks to the team at www.USFleasing.com for sponsoring this month’s Missilette! As a result of their generosity, Lyndsey is receiving a 1-year subscription to the Missilia Must Have box and her story is inspiring women to take care of their mental and physical health. If your company or organization supports strong women, please consider sponsoring our heroes by checking out our Sponsorship Information or emailing admin@missilia.us.
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