We are proud to have a handful of veterans right here in our college, who serve our campus as students, faculty and staff. Yesterday, in commemoration of Veteran’s Day, four nursing veterans and alumni of our nursing program participated in the Fresno Veteran’s Day Parade (see photo above) – as well as current students. You can read more about those veterans here.

We were excited to have Dr. Janice Sanders, Assistant Professor in the Fresno State School of Nursing, and Lisette Piedra, 2nd year student in the nursing program, featured on KSEE24’s Central Valley Today to talk about their experiences in the Navy and Army, respectively. Click on each of the stories below to view their segments and learn more!

Lisette Piedra

CVT_lisettepiedraIt is safe to say Lisette’s extensive military medic background prepared her for the rigors of the classroom, where she is now a 2nd year student in the School of Nursing at Fresno State. She served as a ground medic in the U.S. Army for seven years before transitioning to the U.S. National Guard where she served as a flight medic. Both tours led her to Afghanistan where she was responsible for providing medical care, assistance and transportation to her fellow soldiers and even Afghan troops. At one point, Lisette was the only female flight medic in California! Wonderful work Lisette and good luck in nursing school! We have no doubt you will go on to do amazing things in your career.

Dr. Janice Sanders

CVT_sanders Dr. Sanders is proof that anything is possible through hard work and dedication. She served in the U.S. Navy for a total of 22 years with 10 years being in active duty. During her 12 years in the reserves, she obtained her Masters of Science in Nursing from Fresno State. This past May, she joined the inaugural Doctor of Nursing Practice class and received her Doctorate degree. Just a few months later, Sanders would make the transition from student to teacher, becoming assistant professor in the School of Nursing. Sanders said her military benefits and time in the service is what made higher education a possibility for her. She now teaches in the area of mental health nursing and Lisette is even a student of hers! It’s so great to have you in our college, Dr. Sanders!