Nurse Angie Kenneth Riege

NURSE ANGIE

This story is about one of our nation’s greatest unsung heroes United States Navy Captain and Nurse Angeline G. Liakos (Retired).

“Nurse Angie” as she prefers to be called was born on 15 April 1928 in Bayard, NE. She received her Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln in 1950 and in 1953 she received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Nebraska, Omaha and then in 1958 she received her Master of Science in Nursing Education from the University of Colorado. She became a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner from the University of California, San Diego in 1975 and was Commissioned a Lieutenant in the United States Navy in 1973 and achieving the rank of Captain (O-6) in 1979. She retired from the Navy in 1983 and became a Nurse Educator at West Nebraska Hospital School of Nursing.

Well, that in itself would be an amazing career and life for anyone, but Nurse Angie is so much more than her resume. I have never had the honor of meeting Nurse Angie but know many who have, and one person by the name of John is here today because of her dedication of being a nurse.

Here is the story of how John had meet Nurse Angie after he returned to the United States after Vietnam. John’s wounds were extreme to say the least and through the help of Nurse Angie who was at the VA Hospital when John arrived to make a full recovery. He not only recovered he most importantly made a friend for life. John spends most of his time now taking care of the hero who took care of him.

By Kenneth Reige USAF Veteran

Here is a picture of Nurse Angie with some very special veterans she has helped to include MOH Recipient Mr. John Baca (back row center).

MOH Recipient (Vietnam) John Baca wipes his eyes as he sits with his dear friend and former Balboa Navajo Hospital Nurse Retired US Navy Captain Angie Liakos (left of John). Nurse Angie took care of John after he was severely wounded by a hand grenade in Vietnam. These actions earned John his Medal of Honor.

Aerial view of Mount Soledad National Veterans Memorial in San Diego, CA

In beautiful San Diego, CA there is a place called “Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial” where plaques such as these can be found. This one is dedicated to US Navy Captain Angeline G. Liakos or “Nurse Angie.” The saying below Captain Liakos picture best describes her. It reads, “Not for Self, but for Country.” As with all my stories I will end with a quote from one of our nations Medal of Honor Recipients. I may have used John Baca’s quote before, but for this story I will use it again:

“Don’t swim through life, just float. Peace will never come on the battlefield; it comes from within. Allow gentleness and compassion to follow.”