FEBRARUY 3, 2026 – As the U.S. Army Nurse Corps marks its 125th anniversary on Feb. 2, its legacy continues to be shaped by the compassion, professionalism and dedication of the Soldiers who serve in its ranks.
Established in 1901, the Army Nurse Corps has supported service members and their families through conflicts, humanitarian missions, and peacetime operations around the world. From battlefield hospitals to modern medical facilities, Army nurses have provided care in some of the military’s most demanding environments.
Being part of that history has personal significance for Maj. Sam Chase, an Army Nurse Corps executive fellow. “Knowing how we got started and where we are and where we’re headed as a corps, it makes me proud,” Chase said. Throughout its history, the corps has remained focused on providing compassionate care under ever-changing conditions.
“For 125 years, the Army Nurse Corps has been a beacon of selfless service and unwavering courage. From the battlefields of World War I to the modern-day front lines, nurses have provided compassionate care under the most challenging circumstances. They have been innovators, leaders, and healers, shaping the very course of military medicine. On this momentous anniversary, we honor the enduring legacy of the Army Nurse Corps and the quiet heroism of every Army Nurse who has worn the uniform.” – Lt. Gen. Mary K. Izaguirre
For Chase, that commitment was formed early in his career in emergency medicine, where he frequently worked in the clinic where patients walked in, often traumatized, injured, or confused. “The difference is to look past the situation and see the person,” he said. “Compassionate care isn’t soft. It’s firm and resolute, but it goes on to treat every patient with dignity and respect.”
Beyond the hospital setting, Army nurses also serve as leaders and mentors. As a company commander, Chase found that empathy remained essential when supporting soldiers through personal and professional challenges, including connecting with a soldier who shared his experience of raising a child with a disability.
“When you lead with empathy, you’re helping people navigate life,” Chase said. “Sometimes that can be healing in itself.”
Much of the corps’ legacy is built on quiet, often unseen moments of service. Chase recalled a fellow nurse who stayed with a dying patient whose family could not be present. “No one’s seeing you do it,” he said. “You do it because it’s the right thing to do.” Despite advances in medicine and technology, Chase believes one core value has remained unchanged. “The single timeless value is empathy,” he said. “The uniforms change. The technology changes. But the human experience doesn’t.”
As the Army Nurse Corps reflects on 125 years of service, that commitment to compassionate care continues to guide nurses as they support soldiers and families around the world.
By Sgt. Zack Stine