As we approach the 50th anniversary of the conclusion of the Vietnam War, Nexstar is spotlighting the veterans and families impacted by this conflict, exploring their feelings after so many years. One group of individuals whose voices aren’t frequently heard are the nurses who cared for injured soldiers back then.
Recently, Marielena Balouris from Nexstar had a conversation with three Vietnam War nurses—Elaine Niggemann, Jane Mason, and Ruby Scheuing—to delve into their experiences during the war and how those shaped their subsequent lives. Although these nurses did not serve alongside each other, they have intertwined histories. The discussion can be viewed in the video player located above this paragraph.
Every woman recounts stories of wishing to be part of the mission to serve their nation as well as explore new places. They similarly recount experiences of assisting with severe wounds in demanding—and occasionally hazardous—settings.
The existence of nurses in the combat area also establishes a distinctive bond with soldiers, as noted by Balouris.
[It was] such a pleasant experience for these soldiers to encounter women,” Scheuing remembers. “Upon waking, simply holding hands—providing reassurance, having conversations with them, letting them know everything would be alright. Being there as their source of strength.
All the women ultimately returned to the U.S. where they went on to serve and lead successful lives.
A unexpected delight for the nurses throughout the years has been their sense of community. Although Niggemann, Mason, and Schueing were not together during the war, they eventually crossed paths and formed strong friendships.
“It really was a very fortunate outcome,” says Niggemann, who encountered Schueing on a tour of Vietnam. “Through an organization called the Greatest Generation Foundation, which takes veterans back to where they served, I was invited as a group of nurses returning — Ruby was invited in that same group.”
Niggemann mentions that when she was in Washington, D.C., for the dedication ceremony,
Vietnam Women’s Memorial
she had been looking for a Navy nurse. “I knew that we wanted to involve Navy and Air Force and I saw Jane at an elevator.”
The duo quickly formed a friendship and soon embarked on a trip to Normandy together. Now, all three of these veterans have become good friends.
Niggemann added: “It’s amazing.”
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