I joined the Army for many different reasons. I was really interested in the educational opportunities. Also, it's exciting to be able to move to different places and different hospitals.

We are right on the cutting edge with research. I learn something new every time I come to work. I work in the Intensive Care [Unit], so my patient ratio is one-to-one and I am able to take advantage of spending more time with my patients and with their families. I get to help them understand what's going on and help them be comfortable with all the procedures.

And then, of course, I do have 30 days of leave. My husband and I do a lot of things together. He took me to the World Skeet Shoot to get a feel of what it was really about. While we were out there, we saw the Army team and that got me pumped up to try to be on the Army team. We go shoot skeet probably twice a week. I really enjoy it. We play golf. We also spend time with our dog and take a little time for ourselves - go out to dinner, try to have a little romantic time.

There certainly is a sense of duty and patriotism I feel. There are a lot of Army Officers, a lot of enlisted men, and even nurses that gave their life so that we can live the life that we live now.

I feel like I've taken more pride in myself and trying to take more advantage of the opportunities given to me to make myself a more educated, more disciplined, better person.