Service Beyond the Battlefield: How Bryan Nation continues to care for veterans

When Bryan Nation enlisted in the U.S. Army in January 2001, he was searching for direction. College didn’t feel right, and he wanted something more purposeful. Less than a year into his service, the world changed. Bryan had already completed basic training and his medic training earlier that summer, before 9/11, but when his unit began field exercises that fall, the tone shifted dramatically. What had started as routine preparation quickly became focused, high-intensity training.

Bryan began his military career at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, before completing medic training at Fort Sam Houston in Texas. His first duty station was at Fort Riley, Kansas, in June 2001, where he trained extensively before deploying overseas. As an Army medic, Bryan cared for the soldiers in his unit, handling everything from routine medical needs to emergency care in the field. He joined patrols through Iraq, providing aid wherever it was needed — often in high-stress, unpredictable conditions. Along with treating his fellow soldiers, he also helped injured civilians, including children who would come to them, stabilizing them before arranging transport to higher levels of care.

The constant deployments were among his toughest challenges. Each time he returned home, the short stretches of family life were followed by long absences in combat zones. During one deployment, his wife was in Germany, where she gave birth to their child while Bryan was serving in Iraq. Distance and duty tested their strength, but they found ways to push through together.

Bryan's service came at a cost. He was injured when mortar rounds struck the building he was in, leaving him with a brain injury and lung damage, earning him a purple heart. After time in the Baghdad ICU, he returned to his unit and kept serving until his medical discharge in 2014. His determination through recovery earned him the respect of those who served beside him.

Before leaving the Army, Bryan earned his Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) certification. This achievement eased his transition to civilian life. Today, he works as an IV therapy nurse at the Veterans hospital, where he continues to serve others. His military leadership and experience carry over into his current role, where he leads his shift team.

Bryan believes success in the military — and in life — comes from listening to those with experience, staying resilient, and never giving up when things get hard. His story reflects the enduring strength of veterans who continue to serve long after they hang up the uniform.