Lt. Colonel Bernardine Donato
About BERNADINE
U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force
Bernardine (Bernie) started her military career commissioned as a U.S. Navy Nurse Corps Ensign. She was stationed in Camp Pendleton where she cared for thousands of Vietnamese refugees who were transported there at the end of the Vietnam War. Bernie rose threw the ranks to the rank of Navy Lieutenant after serving nearly 6 years active duty. She transferred into the inactive Navy reserves for a few years. In 1984 Bernie transferred to the 146th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, California Air National Guard, as a tactical flight nurse on C-130 aircraft. Aside from her flight nurse duties Bernie served as the officer in charge of the Medical Readiness section. There she and her crew transformed the unit from unsatisfactory to excellent and outstanding in the operational readiness inspections. Bernie was valued by both her junior officers and enlisted personnel.
She lived by the motto "Never ask someone to do something you wouldn't do yourself.” At the onset of the first Gulf War, Bernie was deployed to Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Shield. She returned only to be Title 10 federally activated to support Operation Desert Shield. There she was the Officer in Charge of 3 aeromedical flight crews. Despite the bare bones conditions, the barrage of SCUD missiles, the sandstorms, the recent death of her brother, Bernie persevered to keep her troops safe and engaged. Bernie retired from the military at the rank of Lt. Colonel in June of 1999 with 24 years of service. She continues to serve her community and fellow veterans both organizing and volunteering at diverse events.
Flag Location
Flag
Column 10, Row J
Sponsor
Triangle Women Veterans #144
Location
Honor Field A
