Each year on Veterans Day, the Washington State University College of Nursing recognizes the alumni, donors, faculty, and staff whose military service continues to shape their dedication to teaching, mentorship, and health care. Their experiences in uniform—rooted in teamwork, discipline, and compassion—continue to inspire the next generation of Coug Nurses.
Deedra Zabokrtsky, DNP, RN, BSN ‘92, NEA-BC, EBP-C — U.S. Air Force
Director, Quality Resources, Pullman Regional Hospital
Inspired by her grandfather’s stories of service and camaraderie, Deedra Zabokrtsky followed in his footsteps and joined the U.S. Air Force, where she found both purpose and lifelong lessons. Her 21-year military career included deployments to Croatia and Iraq, where she experienced firsthand the power of teamwork and mission-driven care. One of her most memorable moments came when she helped prepare congressional testimony for the Air Force Corps Chief’s State of the Nurse Corps report, an experience that showed her how personal stories and data can drive meaningful change.
Zabokrtsky credits the Air Force’s core values—Integrity, Service, and Excellence—with shaping her professional life. Today, she carries those same values into her leadership role at Pullman Regional Hospital, where she’s committed to high-quality, community-based care. “Serving in the Air Force was about community and service,” she said. “That’s what drew me to rural health—it feels like coming home.”
Her husband, Jerry, who also served 21 years in the Air Force, remains her “trusted confidant, best friend, and real-life action hero.” Together, they continue to honor the spirit of service through their involvement in veteran causes, including the American Legion, Quilts of Valor, and Wreaths Across America.
Debbie Brinker, MSN, RN, CNS –– U.S. Air Force
WSU College of Nursing Faculty Emeritus
Debbie Brinker credits the U.S. Air Force Nurse Corps for sparking her lifelong journey as a nurse leader. Stationed at a small 90-bed hospital in Florida, she learned the power of teamwork, adaptability, and shared purpose. “In the military, roles blended more than in civilian jobs,” she recalled. “Our focus was meeting the mission and delivering excellent nursing care together.”
Her experiences taught her to approach leadership with empathy and insight—“seek first to understand,” she says. Brinker led staffing and scheduling changes that improved both patient care and nurse well-being, lessons she carried into her decades-long career as a nurse educator and mentor. Guided by the philosophy “Engage and Transform,” she continues to inspire nurses to become change leaders and compassionate caregivers.
Theresa Barenz, MN, BSN ‘92 — U.S. Army
Teaching Assistant Professor, WSU College of Nursing
Service was part of life for Theresa Barenz, whose father served in the U.S. Air Force and mother was a U.S. Army nurse. Joining the Army Nurse Corps felt like a natural continuation of that legacy.
Her commissioning as a U.S. Army 2nd Lieutenant was a deeply personal moment: “My father commissioned me using my mother’s gold lieutenant bars from the 1960s. My brother-in-law was my flag bearer, and my first salute came from an enlisted soldier I deeply respected.”
As part of a rapid deployment MASH unit, Barenz led field training that emphasized teamwork and adaptability. “We trained over 100 soldiers—cooks, drivers, laundry staff—to start IVs,” she says. “Everyone learned to support the mission.”
Today, as a Teaching Assistant Professor at the WSU College of Nursing in Spokane, Barenz channels that same collaborative spirit into simulation-based education. Her advice: “Find a way to serve that impacts and motivates you, while helping you see the bigger picture.”
Dr. Christina Brumley, PhD ‘24, MSN, BSN — U.S. Navy
Pre-Licensure MN Program Director, WSU College of Nursing
Service runs deep for Dr. Christina Brumley, who grew up surrounded by Navy “sea stories” from her father, grandfather, brother, and uncles.
Her most defining experience came aboard the USNS Mercy during the inaugural Pacific Partnership mission, providing medical care to underserved communities across Southeast Asia. “Their courage was humbling,” she says. “They left their families to seek care from strangers who didn’t speak their language, aboard a ship in the middle of the ocean.”
That mission—and the teamwork it required—inspired Brumley to become an educator. “As a Nurse Corps officer, I trained Hospital Corpsmen for field operations. That experience sparked my passion for teaching.”
Now part of the WSU College of Nursing, Brumley continues to mentor nursing students with the same spirit of service that guided her Navy career.
Cornell Cook –– U.S. Air Force
Graduate Clinical Placement Coordinator, WSU College of Nursing
For Cornell Cook, military service was both a family tradition and a calling. Inspired by his father, older brother, and other relatives who served, he viewed enlistment as “a sense of honor… something greater than self.” During basic training, Cook suffered a leg injury but refused to give up, hopping and hobbling to stay with his squadron. “That really taught me that I could do anything I put my mind to,” he said.
The experience shaped his lifelong sense of responsibility and teamwork. “The greatest lesson I learned was what it means to be responsible to those above and below you in the organization,” he shared. Today, Cook continues to live by that commitment and honors his three brothers who also served. He hopes future generations will share the same spirit: “Join and serve without expectations — the country needs that.”
Aimee Nechanicky — U.S. Navy (Ret.)
Professional Education Program Coordinator, WSU College of Nursing
For Aimee Nechanicky, the decision to serve was inspired by the events of 9/11. Then completing her undergraduate degree at Eastern Washington University, she joined the U.S. Navy Reserve through an accelerated enlistment program for college graduates.
One of her most memorable experiences came from a lasting international friendship: “Our reserve center connected with Canadian Sailors in Calgary for our Navy Ball. That started a 20-year friendship with the Canadian Navy. I still host our Canadian friends when they pass through.”
Nechanicky retired after 20 years of service, carrying with her the Navy’s core values of honor, courage, and commitment. “Every year I said it would be my last,” she admits. “But the people I served with inspired me to stay.”
Heidi Belcher — U.S. Army
Undergraduate Student Onboarding Coordinator, WSU College of Nursing
At just 18 years old, during Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Heidi Belcher, College of Nursing Undergraduate Clinical Onboarding Coordinator, didn’t yet know what direction her life would take—so she joined the U.S. Army as a combat medic.
As a combat medic stationed at Fort Drum, New York, Belcher learned lessons that have stayed with her ever since: “The military taught me discipline, self-responsibility, and respect. I learned I was much more capable than I ever gave myself credit for.”
Mike Lynch — U.S. Navy
IT Customer Support, WSU College of Nursing
Mike Lynch, College of Nursing IT Customer Support, joined the Navy right out of high school, motivated by a desire to serve his country, travel, and use the GI Bill to further his education.
His years in service gave him perspective on unity and diversity. “I met people from all races, creeds, and backgrounds,” he recalls. “We didn’t always get along, but when it mattered, we had each other’s backs. Our lives depended on it.”
Lynch honors the memory of his friend Todd Lainhart, whom he met while stationed at Pearl Harbor. “He was the only one who joined me at a luau instead of a club,” Lynch laughs. “He became one of my best friends. He passed away from brain cancer in 2002.”
Thank You to Our Coug Veterans
The WSU College of Nursing proudly honors these members of our community—and all who have served—for their courage, leadership, and continued commitment to others.
Join us in celebrating their service.
