Nursing Students to Support Flight Honoring Women Veterans

Two students from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville's College of Nursing will volunteer as escorts for more than 140 military veterans on HonorAir Knoxville's flight to Washington, D.C. on Sept. 25. The flight marks the College of Nursing's first time providing escorts for the organization, which enables East Tennessee veterans to visit national memorials in honor of their service.

Seth Manor and Kathryn McGowen - both senior nursing students and cadets in UT's Army ROTC program - will escort participants on Flight 35, HonorAir Knoxville's second flight honoring female veterans from all eras of military service.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for UT nursing students to spend time with women veterans, some of whom have served as nurses in the armed forces, and learn about their dedication to their profession and the sacrifices they made to protect our country," said Victoria Niederhauser, dean of the College of Nursing.

Manor

Manor, of Gordonsville, Tennessee, plans on being commissioned into the active-duty Army Nurse Corps after his graduation in spring 2025.

"I am interested in HonorAir, especially Flight 35 which highlights women veterans, because I am inspired by them, including those who have done so much for the Army Nurse Corps," said Manor. "Volunteering with HonorAir allows me to give back to them. I hope I can serve them on that day to provide them with the best experience possible and express the gratitude we all have for their service."

McGowen

McGowen, of Fairfax, Virginia, also plans to graduate and be commissioned in the spring as an Army nurse and wants to specialize in emergency room and critical care nursing.

"I am doing HonorAir to give back to the extraordinary women who gave so much to our country," said McGowen.

Lynn Miller, a clinical instructor in the College of Nursing, spearheaded the opportunity for the students. The selection process began in April, when applicants were asked to write a brief summary of why they would be well-suited to support HonorAir as an escort representing the College of Nursing. McGowan and Manor were selected following submission reviews and interviews.

"Discovering the upcoming HonorAir flight through a friend who served in the Vietnam War on medical flights that carried injured members of all the armed services, it felt like a perfect match to connect a Vol nurse with those who have served our country," said Miller.

Members of Flight 35 will depart McGee Tyson Airport for Washington around 8:25 a.m. on Sept. 25. They will tour the Women in Military Service for America Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery as well as other memorials. The Women's Memorial is the only major national memorial honoring all women who have defended the United States throughout its history. The group will return to Knoxville the same day, with an official welcome-home ceremony planned upon their arrival at McGee Tyson around 7:40 p.m.

"Honoring United States veterans is an enduring effort," said Army Department Head and Professor of Military Science Mike Wellock, a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army. "We all owe so much to those who have gone before us to keep our nation secure. I am extremely proud of Cadets Manor and McGowan - both for their willingness to honor our women veterans and for their own decisions to serve."

Founded in 2007, HonorAir Knoxville, a nonprofit, has served more than 4,300 East Tennessee veterans with a day to honor their service at no cost to the veteran.

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Media Contact:

Cindi King (865-974-0937, [email protected])

Kara Clark (865-974-9498, [email protected])

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