VA Nurse Pens Song About Life From The Battlefield To The Bedside, It Will Make Feel Proud
In a touching tribute for Veterans Day, Major Katie Lunning—both a VA nurse and combat medic—honored our nation’s heroes with a song based on her lived experiences. From serving on the battlefield to caring for veterans at their bedside, Katie’s journey has been one of dedication, courage, and compassion.
Katie’s Story: A Nurse, Veteran, Wife and Mother
Major Katie Lunning, one of only two nurses ever awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, played a heroic role in evacuating critically injured patients during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. This prestigious award, granted for heroism in aerial flight, reflects her bravery and resilience. As part of a Critical Care Transport Team, Lunning helped transport the severely wounded, including those injured in the Abbey Gate bombing. She views her actions humbly, seeing herself as being in the right place at the right time to save lives.
Key Career Highlights:
- Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism in aerial flight.
- One of only two nurses to receive this honor.
- Critical Care Transport Team member during U.S. Afghanistan withdrawal.
- Evacuated and cared for severely injured patients from Kabul.
- Responded to casualties after the Abbey Gate bombing on Aug. 26.
Today, she channels that same spirit into her work at the VA, where her unique background enriches her dedication to serving veterans.
Katie’s heart-touching song also pays tribute to her other extraordinary roles in life – that of a wife and mother.
Major Katie Lunning recently collaborated with renowned Nashville songwriters Steve Dean and Don Goodman to create a song, From The Battlefield To The Bedside, which reflects her journey from her Minnesota hometown to the Middle East and eventually to the VA. She also met Grammy-winning artist Linda Davis, a Grand Ole Opry member with over 40 years in the industry who agreed to sing the song. Davis says the song is, “An incredible testament to Katie’s strength and resilience. Katie’s story is truly remarkable, and I am so honored to have recorded her song.”
Katie’s tribute is more than just music; it’s a heartfelt expression of gratitude for fellow service members. By creating a song specifically for Veterans Day, she taps into the powerful role of music in sharing complex, personal emotions. Her performance helps bridge the experiences of veterans and civilians, bringing a deeply personal perspective to the broader veteran community.
