SMMN

 We have a simple, but robust mission: to stop non-combat military medical negligence and for congress to amend the Feres Doctrine. We do that by focusing on raising awareness and knocking on the doors of our nations leaders. 

 If you have able hands, we need your help. Whether it's writing your state representatives, sharing your story, providing professional services, or making a donation - military members and their families need your help. 

 We're continually working to raise awareness and invoke change. If you're interested to see what we've been up to (especially if you are looking to get involved)  check out our activities page or contact us. 

I have been incredibly fortunate in my life to have gained the knowledge and experience of providing consistent exceptional care to our nations Veterans. I have a Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) and have spent over 20 years caring for patients and their families, 18 of which I have spent serving Veterans - the defenders of our freedom.

​“Nurses consistently capture patient and public trust by performing in accordance with the Code of Ethics for Nurses that supports the best interests of patients, families and communities” (American Nurses Association, 2015).

With that desire in my heart, I preside over SMMN.  I believe our military members and their families deserve the highest quality medical care and an outlet for legal action as a result of malpractice during times of non-combat

"People change for two main reasons: either their minds have been opened or their hearts have been broken" - Steven Atichison

​This statement resonates with how the idea of SMMN was started. Our minds were opened to the reality of military medical care and the lack of ramifications for malpractice during times of non-combat. Our hearts were broken at the unnecessary loss of our son, husband, father, brother, friend, and soldier. We are far to advanced as a country to continue to allow our military members to be at risk of receiving low quality healthcare and potential negligence with no ramifications. 

Holding a MBA, I've spent the last 7 years working in various business positions - much of that time has been spent creating and implementing changes and process improvements. It is my desire to take that experience and help SMMN invoke change for our military members and their families. 

 I met Phyllis several years ago when our husbands, who served in the same unit in Vietnam, started attending their unit's reunion.  I was saddened to hear of the death of her son, Msgt. Cornett, but when I heard the whole story of his death, I was appalled.  Non-combat military members deserve to receive the same quality care that civilians have come to expect; unfortunately, for Msgt. Cornett, as I understand it, that was not the case.  

I was honored when Phyllis asked me to serve as the secretary of the non-profit she wanted to create in order to raise awareness of the negligence in medical care afforded to non-combat military.  I have an Associate Degree in Secretarial Science and have worked in the private sector and in both federal and state positions since 1975.  I retired in 2014.  

As secretary of SMMN, I hope to help Phyllis raise awareness and push for a change for our non-combat military members.  For the commitment they make to our country, they deserve the very best we can give them.