Dover medical officer selected for 'Why We Serve'

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Kevin Wallace
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. (AFPN) --  A medical nurse practitioner from the 436th Medical Dental Operations Squadron here was selected Sept. 19 to participate in the Department of Defense's national civic outreach program 'Why We Serve' and share her war-related story with the American public.

During her deployment, Major Potter served as the women's health practitioner at Balad Air Base, Iraq. While there, she worked hand-in-hand with and 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," Major Potter said.

The seasoned Dover medical practitioner certainly had her share of medical concerns to deal with, she said. From issues like unplanned pregnancies and minor infections to health and wellness promotion, the AOR changes the context of women's health needs.

In addition to physical disorders, the major had to help patients overcome emotional ailments 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 said.  

She noted beyond 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, spare off-duty time presented itself from time to time and she was quick to use it 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.

"As I walked him back to bed, he would always say 'Mrs. Marcia, you come back tomorrow, please?' How could I refuse, for this was the heart of nursing," she said. 

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 wholeheartedly in his nation's need for freedom.

"We had many conversations, he in limited English and me in very limited Farsi," 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." 

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