Spark Spotlight: Veteran Sarah Malson, Former Navy Nurse Corps Officer
Photo Credit: Helen Pace Photography
• How long did you serve in the Navy?
I was commissioned as a Navy Nurse Corps officer on May 16th, 1998. I got out February 10th, 2003. I was stationed at Portsmouth Naval Medical Center and Camp Lejeune Naval Hospital as a NICU nurse during my time in the military.
• What inspired you to enlist?
I applied for a Navy ROTC scholarship because I did not have money to go to college. I was awarded a full ride scholarship to Marquette University. I went there for 4 years and received my Bachelor's degree in Nursing. I owed the military 4 years in return for getting free education.
• How did you imagine military life before you joined?
I had done Air Force ROTC in high school, and lived very close to Andrews AFB in Maryland. I didn't know much about life in the Navy, but I could march a platoon of people and make my bed with hospital corners if need be. I thought I'd see the ship or deployment time, but I did not. I served as a nurse in two military hospitals and worked 12 hour night shifts just like I do now as a civilian.
• What was the most significant experience during your time serving in the Navy?
September 1st, 2001. 9/11 occurred while I was stationed with the Marines at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. We were out in the field learning how to take care of adults after surgery in tents on September 17th in preparation for war. I was told by my command that we better prepare for being deployed. I was also warned that this would be the first time in history seeing women come back in body bags and to mentally prepare ourselves for it.
• What occupies your time nowadays?
I am a mother to a 14-year-old son who is the light of my life. I am dating an amazing man with a 3-year-old son. We have begun to create a life together as a family. I work the night shift in the NICU at Mission Hospital. I take care of premature and full term babies who need extra support to live, grow and be healthy. I write in my spare time about businesses, people and charities that make a difference in our community. I also donate to local causes.
• What is your passion?
My passions are being a mother, being a NICU nurse and writing under the name The WAXlorette. I am a veteran so I will always hold organizations and charities that take care of veterans near to my heart, including Veterans Treatment Court. I am also an LGBTQIA+ ally. My son is transgender.
• What is most rewarding about what you do now?
I love being an activist in our community and helping people in need through my writing. I have been a NICU nurse for 24 years and absolutely love being part of a team that saves tiny lives.
Sarah Malson is also the founder of the Unstoppable French Broads Brunch, an inclusive group open to all women, trans women, non-binary folk, and gender fluid individuals in the community of Asheville and surrounding areas of WNC.