TWO UNIFORMS. ONE CALLING. MANA Veterans Day Spotlight: Sean Sanford, CRNA United States Air Force Reserve | Medic | 8 Years of Service Sometimes, one experience can change a career. For Sean Sanford, that moment came during his eight years of service as a medic in the United States Air Force Reserve. During his early clinical training, Sean followed a patient from the emergency room into the operating room. It was his first time witnessing anesthesia care, and what he saw left a lasting impression. Watching a CRNA induce anesthesia, intubate, and safely awaken a patient sparked a fascination that would ultimately become his life's calling. "From that moment, I knew my vocation. I've been a CRNA for 13 years now, and I don't even think of this as a job. I absolutely love what I do! I'm very blessed to be able to wake up every morning and go practice as a nurse anesthetist." Today, Sean brings that same dedication to caring for patients as a CRNA, continuing a journey of service that began in uniform. This Veterans Day, MANA proudly recognizes Sean and all our CRNA colleagues who have served our country. Two uniforms. One calling. A lifetime of service. Thank you for your service, Sean! |
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TWO UNIFORMS. ONE CALLING. MANA Veterans Day Spotlight: Colonel Natalie Johnson, DNP, CRNA United States Army | Colonel | Serving Since 1997 For some, service begins with a calling. For Colonel Natalie Johnson, that calling began at just 17 years old when she enlisted in the Minnesota Army National Guard in 1997. A native of Crookston, Minnesota, Natalie began her military career as an Army medic, earning the trust of soldiers who simply called her "Doc." That early experience, with its tremendous independence and responsibility, helped shape a remarkable career dedicated to caring for others. Inspired to serve following September 11, 2001, Natalie received her commission into the Army Nurse Corps in 2003 and transitioned to active duty. From 2005 to 2006, she deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, serving as an ICU nurse at combat support hospitals in Mosul and Balad. During her deployment, she also completed flight nurse training, allowing her to care for soldiers and Iraqi civilians both on the ground and in the air. Her commitment to patient care eventually led her to nurse anesthesia. She graduated summa cum laude from Saint Mary's University in 2010 with a Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia and later earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from the University of Alabama in 2023. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2020, Natalie once again answered the call, deploying to New York City to care for patients at Jacobi Medical Center. She also supported military healthcare facilities in Japan from 2020 to 2022. Today, Colonel Johnson continues to serve as a CRNA and Deputy Chief Nurse with the U.S. Army Reserve while practicing nurse anesthesia in Minnesota. She is also passionate about mentoring future military healthcare professionals, supporting her colleagues, and advancing the CRNA profession. Reflecting on her military career, Natalie shares: "I am deeply grateful for every opportunity to serve, every Soldier I had the privilege to lead and serve alongside, and every person who supported me throughout this journey. I am proud to wear the uniform, proud to serve this great nation, and proud to call myself a Soldier and Anesthesia Provider. Medical warrior!" Throughout her career, Natalie has embraced one guiding principle: By serving others and putting their needs before her own, she can make a difference. Her journey from Army medic to Colonel and doctoral-prepared CRNA reflects the resilience, leadership, compassion, and dedication that define both military service and nurse anesthesia. This Veterans Day, MANA proudly recognizes Colonel Natalie Johnson and all our CRNA colleagues who have dedicated their lives to serving our country and caring for others. Two uniforms. One calling. A lifetime of service. Thank you for your extraordinary service, Colonel Johnson! |
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TWO UNIFORMS. ONE CALLING. MANA Veterans Day Spotlight: Major Roberts, CRNA United States Army | 11 Years of Active Duty | Rank of Major For some, military service is more than a chapter in their lives. It becomes the foundation for a lifetime of caring for others. For Major Andrea Roberts, 11 years of active-duty service in the United States Army helped shape not only her career in nurse anesthesia but also the values she carries into patient care every day. While attending the United States Army Graduate Program in Anesthesia Nursing (USAGPAN), she experienced one of the most defining moments in American history: September 11, 2001. She graduated shortly afterward, entering the profession with a profound understanding of resilience, determination, and empathy. Reflecting on her military experience, she shares: "During that time, I grew in resilience, determination, and empathy. I am so grateful that I have the privilege of taking care of patients every day. I cannot imagine any other profession." One of her photographs captures another remarkable piece of military medical history. Taken in Seoul, South Korea, in 1996, it documents her service during the retirement of the 43rd Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH), a unit associated with the history that inspired the iconic television series M*A*S*H. From military service to the operating room, her career reflects an unwavering commitment to caring for others. This Veterans Day, MANA proudly honors Major Roberts and all our CRNA colleagues who have served our country. Two uniforms. One calling. A lifetime of service. Thank you for your service and dedication to our profession! |
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