SC Connecticut News

On November 11, 2024, Yale School of Nursing (YSN) will host a school-wide event where veterans Laura Manzo ’28 PhD, Craig Manbauman ’25 MSN, and Emma Sardina ’27 MSN will discuss their experiences in nursing and healthcare during military service. This event continues YSN's tradition of featuring veterans sharing their stories.

YSN maintains a strong connection with the veteran community through student participation at the Annual Stand Down event at Veterans Affairs (VA) in West Haven and collaborative research efforts with the VA. The institution is pursuing the "Principles of Excellence" designation from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, which acknowledges institutions committed to supporting veterans and servicemembers.

In observance of Veterans Day 2024, YSN has compiled reflections on military service from its community members.

Kevin Borchert, Classroom Technology and Media Coordinator and United States Marine Corps veteran, served from 2007 to 2011. He emphasized understanding the ongoing struggles veterans face due to cultural barriers against discussing these issues openly. Borchert stated that transitioning from military to civilian life remains challenging even years later. "I believe programs that teach basic everyday skills and encourage veterans to openly discuss their experiences and trauma are crucial for their success after their military careers," he said.

LaRon Nelson, Independence Foundation Professor of Nursing and US Navy veteran, recounted his path into nursing during a Q&A for Yale Nursing Matters Magazine in 2019. His journey began aboard the aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy when a career placement test pointed him toward nursing. “In a sense, my path to nursing came by way of ‘following orders,’” Dr. Nelson said.

Tim McGehee ’22 MSN shared insights from his time in the Coast Guard before transitioning into healthcare as part of Yale Alumni Association’s “Careers, Life, and Yale” series in 2021.

Nick Smith ’22 MSN joined the US Army as a medic right out of high school. His deployment to Afghanistan involved treating both American soldiers and Afghan civilians under combat conditions. After further education at Columbia University without finding fulfillment in research alone, Smith was encouraged by Jonathan Harper ’21 MSN to explore more meaningful work at YSN.

Lydia Cristobal ’16 DNP began her career as an Army nurse amid significant challenges during Operation Enduring Freedom at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Her experiences there motivated her pursuit of higher education leading to a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP). Dr. Cristobal reflected on how her military service shaped her leadership skills: “I couldn’t be who I am now had I not joined the Army.”

Lori Rasile serves as Director of Finance at YSN while also being recognized for founding the Yale Veterans Network—a platform supporting job access for veterans within Yale University alongside continuing education opportunities.

Additionally this year—YSN will participate again as an annual location for Toys For Tots program run by US Marine Corps Reserve accepting new unwrapped donations until December 13th at its front entrance located on West Campus Drive.