Dover nurse selected for national civic outreach program

Published Sept. 20, 2007
By Tech. Sgt. Kevin Wallace
436th AW Public Affairs

DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- A medical nurse practitioner from the 436th Medical Dental Operations Squadron was selected to participate in the national civic outreach program, "'Why We Serve."

Maj. Marcia Potter was one of four Air Force nominees for the Department of Defense program.

Major Potter previously served as a women's health practitioner at Balad Air Base, Iraq, where she rendered medical services to servicemembers from all military branches as well as civilian contractors, international and coalition forces.

"Providing full-spectrum women's health services in the (area of responsibility) was certainly challenging because of the strong emotional issues that often accompany women's health problems," said Major Potter.

In addition to physical maladies, the major said she supported patients in coping with emotional stressors as well.

"I encountered issues daily in my interactions with women who generally needed more intense emotional support during their visits than I would normally encounter in a garrison environment."

She noted that through the sickness and emotional strain, hope shined like a beacon, calling the major to help in something bigger than she ever encountered before.

"An incredible opportunity presented itself to me," she said. "I had the chance to provide preventative women's health services to a group of refugee women."

For the refugees, having Major Potter teach them was the opportunity of a lifetime.

"They were incredibly accepting of our teaching, nursing skills and management of their unique health issues," she said. "Although separated by cultural and language barriers, our interactions were thoughtful, energetic, refreshing and heartening. Surrounded by interpreters, we managed to put them at ease and provide world class health services for them."

Though her duty was consumed with patient care and teaching refugees, off-duty time presented itself from time to time. Still, she was quick to utilize her valuable down time for the good of others.

"More heartening opportunities awaited me as I volunteered at the Air Force Theater Hospital in my off-duty time taking care of wounded Iraqi civilians and police officers," she said. "From infants to elderly, they were grateful for their care and engaging in their demeanor.

"I particularly recall one elderly gentleman who had extensive abdominal injuries," she said. "Part of his recovery entailed walking as much as possible. I got him up every night, walked him as much as he could, communicating as well as we were able.

"I walked him to the bathroom, which in the AFTH was a port-o-john outside, across a couple of pallets, through the mud and rain," she said. "While I stood outside, the door slightly ajar he continued to talk to me while he 'took care of business.'"

The little things, as they would seem to American's at home, are often very big and comforting to people in conditions like his, she said. "As I walked him back to bed, he would always say 'Misses Marcia, you come back tomorrow, please?' How could I refuse, for this was the heart of nursing?"

While volunteering at the AFTH, Major Potter met an Iraqi, who shared similar beliefs about helping others.

"During my deployment I made a special friend in our Iraqi liaison officer," she said. "Although he knew that working with the Americans was dangerous for himself and his family, he believed whole-heartedly in his nation's need for freedom.

Though constrained by language barriers, the two still had several conversations, she said. "We came to the conclusion that only by living in freedom could peace be achieved. He had two family members assassinated within two weeks of each other because of his association with the U.S. Forces, but he pressed on. He expressed to me repeatedly that the life we lead must be meant for the greater good or it is meaningless."

The major said she enjoys serving others.

"I serve because my life is intended for something greater than myself," she said. "I am blessed to be able to give this service."

(Editor's note: Major Potter's selection was announced Sept. 19)