In recognition of Memorial Day, we sat down with ORA Surgery Center team member and U.S. Army Veteran Jozie Gehrking to learn more about her military service and experiences.
Name: Jozie Gehrking
Hometown: Erie, IL
Years at ORA: It will be five years in July.
Title: Circulating OR Nurse
Branch and rank of Military Service: Army | Sergeant
Family: My husband and I have four amazing children!
Why did you decide to join the Army?
I joined the Army because it was always my dream. During my eight years of military service, I proudly served as a Sergeant. Acting as a medic in Afghanistan and Iraq made such a tremendous impact on my life.
From 2004 to 2005, I served as a medic with the 1/168 infantry in Afghanistan. I provided aid to our troops and Afghan civilians. From 2009 to 2010, I was a medic with the 294th Medical Battalion in Iraq and offered medical assistance to detainees in prison.
What have been your most memorable or proudest moment(s) in the service?
I would say one of the most memorable moments would be driving over an IED (improvised explosive device) and nearly getting blown up. It was a scary experience, but situations like that often come with the territory of active duty.
One of the proudest moments would be helping a newborn baby receive the medical treatment he desperately needed. He was only three months old and had a large tumor in his mouth. My team and I were able to transfer him out for surgery in the U.S.
As a mother of four, this memory is incredibly special to me. Helping others get medical attention when they need it most is so rewarding. Moments like this one remind you why you chose to enlist in the first place.
What made you decide to become a nurse?
Helping others has always been my passion, so a career in the medical field was a natural fit. As a Circulating OR Nurse, I get to work with a lot of amazing people, like Dr. J.C. Clark. He actually treated some of the soldiers I was deployed with, so I have had the opportunity to be his nurse here and his medic overseas.
Caring for people in need as a former army medic and a nurse at ORA Surgery Center has given my life a strong sense of purpose. I love getting patients back to doing what they love and being a part of their journey to recovery.
What advice do you have for others who are interested in serving their country?
If they are able to join, then I would encourage them to do it! Serving this country has made me incredibly proud. I believe it is one of the greatest honors an individual could ever hold.
The feelings of strength, courage, and loyalty instilled in you after joining the military are incredible. Also, the bond you form with your fellow soldiers is second to none.
What message would you share with other veterans this Memorial Day?
I would just like to thank them for their dedicated service. Earning the title of “Veteran” is a truly remarkable accomplishment.
We are incredibly grateful to all the courageous individuals who endured personal sacrifices to serve this country—especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the freedoms we enjoy.
At ORA, we honor those brave individuals and commend our very own ORA employees who have served or are currently serving in the military. Thank you for your outstanding service, compassionate care, and extraordinary dedication to our nation!
