NW Valley Times

Christine Collins, a Grand Canyon University alumna, has authored a book detailing her experiences as a nurse during the war in Afghanistan. The memoir, titled "Service, Honor & Sacrifice: Memoirs of a War Nurse," was published this summer and spans 237 pages.

Reflecting on her time in Afghanistan, Collins recounted the overwhelming mental stress she endured as a U.S. Air Force nurse 15 years ago. “I went and got my insurance policy updated,” she said. “I made sure everything was straightened out, that all my affairs were in order.” She described contemplating how to avoid her family discovering her in distress and deciding to see her commander.

The book captures Collins' journey from a fragile mental state to regaining peace and salutes those who sacrificed their lives or assisted the wounded. Collins graduated with a nursing degree from Grand Canyon University 20 years ago before serving as an Air Force captain and trauma nurse in Afghanistan. She believes now is the right time to share her story to inspire others facing difficult times.

“Since writing this book and then pushing it out, there's this ... feeling of peace that I have in my soul that I have not felt in 15 long years,” Collins shared.

A conversation with Col. Elizabeth Coddington, her commanding officer, helped Collins find solace by reminding her of lighter moments during their service. “What she did for me was she reminded me of all of the fun times we had,” Collins said.

Despite these lighter moments, some memories remained indelible for Collins. She recalls losing soldiers despite performing intense medical procedures aimed at saving their lives.

Collins believes the raw emotions conveyed in her book resonate deeply with readers. “And at the end of each chapter, there is a piece of reflection about how I'm going to get through that day and then get through the next day,” she explained.

She emphasizes that one does not need to go to war zones like Afghanistan or Iraq to face personal battles; internal struggles can be just as challenging and often invisible to others.

Collins also reflected on how post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affected her life after returning from Afghanistan and its impact on her three daughters. “It's something that people can't see, but it's there,” she noted.

Since returning home, Collins has worked at U.S. Health and Human Services and served as director of clinical operations for Valor Healthcare. Currently, she is chief operating officer for Big Time Jerseys at GCU’s Canyon Ventures while conveying the purpose behind her memoir.

“Initially, I was just thinking, ‘OK, it's only maybe a temporary thing,’” Collins said regarding writing the book. However, experiencing newfound calmness confirmed its lasting impact on her well-being.

GCU News Senior Writer Mark Gonzales can be reached at [email protected].

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How to buy the book: Amazon

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