HER STORY
"She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future."
Proverbs 31: 25
After the tragic death of my brother, I knew at a young age that nursing would be my calling.
After my first year of college, I realized that funds were low. Yet, I was determined to may my dream a reality , so I enlisted as a Private First Class in the Army Reserve’s healthcare field. Returning back to college the following year, I joined the Army ROTC program. Throughout college, I worked at my hometown hospital — assisting the same physician who delivered me at birth — while also serving as an operating room technician and a nursing assistant. I began my military journey balancing dual roles with both Army ROTC and the U.S. Army Reserves.
Upon graduation,I spent six years on active duty as an Army Nurse Corps Officer, then transferred to the Reserve Component. During the next 25 years with the Army Reserves,I held several clinical and leadership assignments, ultimately achieving the rank of Colonel before joining the Retired Reserves in January 2022.
I supported three mobilization missions, including Operation Enduring Freedom, and completed two tours with the Wounded Warrior Command. During my final assignment with the 338th Medical Brigade, I played a key role in preparing troops for COVID-19 response missions in New York and New Jersey.
Alongside my Reserve career, I devoted more than 29 years of Civil Service to the Defense Health Agency and the Department of Veterans Affairs. My extensive civil service career included roles in Ambulatory Care, Pediatrics, and, for the last decade, Quality and Patient Safety.
Each of you has shared a special part of my more than 30-year journey. So today, as I bid farewell to both my Military and Civil Service careers, we celebrate not an ending — but the beginning of a new chapter… #Retire*ish
ITINERARY
We are seeking to offer you the best experience during your time with us.
Please register by 31 January 2026, so that we can plan accordingly.
Thursday, 23 April 2026
Early Arrival
Self - Exploration of
San Francisco SOMA & Bay Areas
If you are arriving early, you’ll have the option to explore the sights of the San Francisco Bay Area or the nearby cities of Oakland and Sausalito.
There’s plenty to see, do, and enjoy — along with many great places to stay — within the vibrant South of Market (SoMa) district of San Francisco.
Please see the “Things to Do” and “Accommodations” tabs for more details.
Even if you choose to stay in the San Francisco SoMa area, you’ll be within a reasonable commuting distance with an Uber or Lyft to our first stop — the Palo Alto VA hospital — for my official retirement ceremony on Friday, April 24.
However if you’re looking for a more laid-back atmosphere and want to stay closer to Palo Alto, you might enjoy the nearby Mountain View or San Jose areas.
Be sure to check the “Accommodations” tab for our top recommendations.
Friday, 24 April 2026
🎊 Retirement Ceremony
11:00 AM (firm)
Palo Alto VA Medical Ctr.
Donna McCartney Auditorium, Bldg. 105
3801 Miranda Ave.
Palo Alto, CA 94304
See the link for the campus map and locations for the parking garage.
Hybrid Event
(See Virtual Option)
Login: (Pending)
In Person Attire:
Military on program: Dress Uniform
Civilian: Business Casual
Group Travel & Tours
2:00 ~ 5:00 PM
After the Ceremony: Let the celebration continue!
If you are seeking a shared-cost travel to the Napa Valley area. Well, sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic journey from Palo Alto to Napa Valley with our group travel experience.
More details coming soon!
Please see the QR code and additional links for shared-cost purchase information.
🎵 Nite Life 🎵
Blue Note Napa JaM Club
8:00 PM (Doors Open)
8:30 PM (Show Begins)
1030 Main Street
Napa, CA 94559
Your next stop is another host recommended activity. See below for your ticket information.
You can relax and enjoy an evening of easy listening with
Artist: (Pending).
Attire: Classy Chic
More details coming soon!
Please see the QR code and additional link to purchase your group admission ticket.
Saturday, 25 April 2026
10:00 AM ~ 5:00 PM
🕓 Free Time 🕓
Don’t sleep in — make the most of your day!
Enjoy the many wonders of the area, whether it’s sightseeing, shopping, wine tasting or blending, hot air balloon rides, gondola tours, river cruises, or a relaxing spa day. And you can not forget about the wonders of the Napa Wine Train and the casual ride through the valley. There’s something for everyone to enjoy in Napa Valley and beyond.
Please see the “Things to Do” tab for ideas and recommendations.
*More Details Coming Soon*
See links to book or reserve a seat at sites of interest.
Culinary Institute of America (CIA) at Copia.
Mezzanine Area
500 1st Street
Napa, CA 94559
Dress: Formal Attire
Dress to Impress!
Show up in style with your favorite formal ensemble, elegant jumpsuit, or cocktail dress.
Feeling festive? Join the theme!
Ladies, dazzle in your favorite shade of purple to burgundy, while our gentlemen will make a statement in any of blue.
🍸 Social Hour 🍸
6:00 ~ 7:00 PM
Let the Party Begin!
Just a short walk from the Westin Verasa Hotel awaits the stunning gardens of the Culinary Institute of America at Copia.
During the cocktail hour, sip one of the host’s signature drinks, capture memories at the photo booth, and leave a special “out-of-office” message for our host. Then, make your way to the second-floor Mezzanine to find your seat and get ready for an evening filled with celebration.
✨Retirement Celebration ✨
7:00 ~ 11:00 PM (Firm)
Make It a Night to Remember!
Let’s raise a glass to our host and celebrate this incredible milestone with an evening overflowing with festivities, dancing, laughter, and unforgettable memories.
Get ready for a night filled with joy, gratitude, and great company — the perfect way to close one chapter and toast to the next!
#Retire * ish
Sunday, 26 April 2026
11:00 AM (Check-out)
🛫 Departure or Free Time 🛫
Don’t sleep in! Start your day with a delicious breakfast or brunch at the hotel or local restaurant. You may choose to venture out to explore one of the many nearby attractions.
If you have some free time before your safe travels home, make the most of it by enjoying the many wonders of the area — whether it’s sightseeing, shopping, wine tasting or blending, hot air balloon rides, gondola tours, river cruises, or a rejuvenating spa day. There’s something special waiting for you in Napa Valley and beyond.
Please see the “Things to Do” tab for more ideas and recommendations.
However, if you have a flight to catch, you’ll have another opportunity to sit back and relax during the comfortable coach ride back to San Francisco International Airport.
More details coming soon!
Please see the QR code and additional links for shared-cost purchase information.
Things to Do
Oakland
Links to other sites
Nite Spot: Yoshi
Sites in Sonoma
Monterey &
ACCOMMODATIONS
🚗 Transportation:
✈️ Airlines:
As you plan your travels to Northern California, you’ll find several airlines and airports to choose from.
While Sonoma County (STS), Sacramento International (SMF), and Oakland International (OAK) airports are all conveniently located near Napa Valley, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) — about 85 miles away — remains my favorite. It offers plenty of destination activities and scenic stops along the way to Napa Valley.
🚙 Ground Transportation
There are several great options for getting around during your stay in the Bay Area:
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Uber or Lyft: The most convenient and cost-effective way to travel throughout San Francisco, allowing easy access to attractions across the city.
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Once in Napa Valley, our hotel’s central location makes everything easily accessible — with food, shopping, and entertainment just steps away. Uber and Lyft are also great choices for short rides around town.
🚌 Group Travel Options
There’s no better way to connect with fellow guests than to sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride together!
We’ll offer group transportation at a cost-efficient rate from:
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San Francisco Airport (SFO) or Palo Alto VA to Napa Valley, and
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A return trip on Sunday from Napa Valley back to San Francisco Airport.
More details will be provided soon regarding departure times and reservations. Please see Itinerary tab for QR code.
🚗 Rental Cars
If you plan to do additional exploring on your own, a rental car may be the best option — nothing beats the flexibility of having your own set of wheels. Be sure to check parking rates at your accommodations if applicable.
Travel Tip: For the best rates, book your flights and transportation soon after you complete your event registration.
🏨 Hotels & Lodging
Rest & Relax!
We want to ensure that you enjoy a comfortable and relaxing stay as you journey with us. The San Francisco Bay Area and Napa Valley both offer a variety of excellent hotels and lodging options to fit your travel plans.
🌆 San Francisco (for Thur., April 23, 2026)
If you’re attending the Retirement Ceremony at the Palo Alto VA Medical Center on Friday, April 24, we recommend spending your first night in the San Francisco SoMa area. This vibrant neighborhood offers great access to both Palo Alto and downtown attractions.
Recommended Hotels:
Both options provide comfort, convenience, and competitive rates.
🍇 Napa Valley Stay
We’ll be staying in the heart of Napa, just steps away from the Napa Wine Train and Saturday's venue, CIA at Copia, is the Westin Verasa Napa, which offers beautiful accommodations and excellent amenities.
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Room Type: King Bed Only
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Group Rate: $389.00 + $25 Amenity Fee per night
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Booking Deadline: March 22, 2026
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Reservation Link: (Click on the underline area for access to the site).
Please reserve your stay as soon as possible after completing your event registration to take advantage of the group rate.
🏡 Alternative Lodging Options
You may also explore nearby hotels in the Sonoma or Yountville areas, which offer a variety of charming accommodations.
For group stays or shared experiences, consider Airbnb or Vrbo options — a wonderful way to connect, unwind, and build lasting memories with fellow travelers.
✨ Travel Tip: April is a peak season in the Napa Area. For the best rates and availability, please book your hotel or lodging after you RSVP for the event at "Register Now" links.