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Jeannie
BY MARTINA SCHMIDT
For nearly three decades, Jeannie Comlish dedicated her life to the United States Navy, serving from Sept. 28, 1990 to Nov. 30, 2018. A registered nurse specializing in emergency and critical care, Jeannie not only cared for the wounded but rose through the ranks to become a senior nurse executive, executive officer, and commanding officer of naval hospitals.
Early in her career, Jeannie deployed to Zagreb during Operation Provide Promise, delivering life-saving care to wounded United Nations soldiers. She was one of only four nurses trained for helicopter transport under dangerous conditions. Following the Sept. 11 attacks, she was the sole nurse assigned to the USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) during its launch into Operation Enduring Freedom.
Her leadership continued aboard the USNS Mercy, where she served as chief nurse during humanitarian missions following the 2004 Southeast Asia tsunami and in the Philippines, Bangladesh, and East Timor. She also acted as a liaison officer to U.S. embassies in Jakarta and Dili. As commanding officer of Naval Hospital Guam, Jeannie led the facility through more than 15 major inspections, earning the prestigious Legion of Merit medal.
Later, at the Pentagon, she served as director of the Military Health System Governance Office, helping to shape health policy at the highest levels.
Reflecting on her 28 years of service, Jeannie said her greatest takeaway is the resilience and family-like bonds formed among those who serve. “Service to our country is such an honor and privilege,” she said. “The people with whom you work and deploy become like family.”
Today, Jeannie continues to champion healthcare quality and patient safety as a registered nurse surveyor for The Joint Commission, auditing hospitals across the nation. Her passion for service remains strong. She volunteers with the 11th Hour Squadron, sitting vigil beside dying veterans when families need rest, and supports the Johns Creek Veterans Association, helping Veterans in crisis access housing and benefits.
Jeannie is also a proud mother. Her son, Andrew, is following in her footsteps of service and is currently in his third year at the United States Naval Academy, preparing to become an officer in either the United States Marine Corps or the United States Navy. Outside of her professional and volunteer commitments, Jeannie enjoys traveling the world, exploring new cultures, and hiking.

“Stay strong and flexible. Use your resources. Connect with your fellow Veterans — and if there’s no local network for women Vets, start one,” she said. She also reminds the public that women veterans, while a small percentage of the overall veteran population, serve with equal sacrifice and deserve equal access to benefits, healthcare, and support networks.