US Army School of Nursing - Taps Yearbook (Washington, DC)

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DITH OLIVER REA. a Volunteer Worker in Amer- ican Red Cross, was appointed by National Head- quarters as the first Red Cross Field Director at Wal- ter Reed Hospital on May 11. 1918, and the only woman so honored during the war. served until Sep- tember 17, 1919, at which time her active service ended, but not her vital interest in her hospital, and all its activities. In her admin- istration she endeared herself to everyone on the Post by her tact and never failing consideration of others. When the Army School of Nursing was institut ed she recog- nized the need of a rest house for the nurses and was instrumental in securing from the Red Cross what is now known as the Nurses Recreation House. In 1921, at the graduation of the war class, she bestowed the scholarship for advanced special study at Columbia University. The presentation and endowment of the Rea Medal in 1925 for the member of graduating class whom the faculty considers has shown the greatest natural aptitude for her work, not only for the lessons learned from books, but also for human understanding, unfailing cheerfulness and optimism, which were found every- where during the time of stress, but are much harder now with- out the exaltation and excitement of war, is another evidence of her never failing interest. The Rea swimming pool is probably the best known of Mrs. Rea ' s many gifts, but the three green houses, the collection of orchids and other rare plants, she has added from time to time, also give a great deal of pleasure. It is impossible to enumerate her acts of kindness and bound- less generosity. M. H. L. Page 21

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Mrs. Henry R. Rea First Red Cross Field Director, Walter Reed General Hospital. Founder, Rea Medal

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l ant JMumuaB JVssoctattmt SEN a man has worked up in a firm to the point of being in line for partnership, the time has come for both the firm and the man to take stock of each other. The man ' s question will he This firm has treated me well so far, should they ask me to become a member, what have I to give and what shall I gain? ' The firm ' s question will be much the same — for the time has come for complete co- operation. The Class of 1927 and the Alumnae Association of the Army School of Nursing reach this point this June. You are in line for partnership. As Executive Secretary of our Firm . I shall try to answer our side of the question. We know that your instructors, both at home and in affiliations have given you every opportunity to learn to meet the highest standards of nursing. Before you are asked to join the firm, we ask you to check up on yourselves — that is, take your State board examinations, the passing of which says to the doctor, the patient and the Association. ] am prepared to give efficient, intel- ligent service. We of the Alumnae Association are now ready to answer what we have to give you and what you have to give us. We have fellowship unequalled — no matter where you travel, through the annual Alumnae Journal you can find the name of some alumnae sister who will welcome you with open arms, who will speak your language. Then, of course, there is the annual reunion at Walter Reed which needs no description. You are experiencing one this June. How about the business side of this partnership ! Your training has been for business. Nursing more than an}- other profession in the world is organized on the plan of our government, city, state and national, the alumnae association, the city; the Graduate Nurses ' Association, the state; the Ameri- can Nurses ' Association, the national government. If you are sick and need help, the A. N. A. will help you. but only with the cooperation of your alumnae association. We as the association hope in time to do that on our own, but there is where your cooperation is abso- lutely necessary. If you wish to join the American Red Cross Nursing Service, which, of course, you do in your loyalty to the Army and the Red. the White and the Blue, the officers of the Alumnae Association must sponsor you as an active (an R. N. and paid up) member in good standing of the association. The school can attest to your standing in work and character as a student, but only the alumnae association will have any information as the years roll on, and then only through your active membership and by your answering our questionnaires — cooperation. In a few words, the Alumnae Association through its officers can give you more individual attention than any other nursing organization. Its value to you is in direct ratio to your cooperation with it. Page 22