Colonel Eileen M. Bonner USAR (Re)

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Eileen M. Bonner was born in Brooklyn and moved to Newark at age six. She then moved to Baltimore and graduated from Robert E. Lee Junior High where she entered Fort Hamilton High School in September, 1941 and graduated in January, 1944. She attended Cornell University and Hunter College and then joined the Cadet Nurse Corps. Through Lucy Webb Hayes Training School of Sibley Memorial Hospital and the American University, she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing and continued her education at Catholic University earning a Masters in Education in Guidance and Counseling and another Masters in Education from Teachers College, Columbia University.

 

During this time she held positions as a staff nurse, supervisor, instructor, director of nursing, hospital administrator and consultant in management, administration and health care. She joined the United States Army Reserve as a Second Lieutenant and completed her military service as a Colonel. During this time she attended numerous military education courses including Command and General Staff School. Her decorations included certificates of merit and commendations as well as the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, Army Commendation Medal and the Legion of Merit. She is the first female to be elected as the president of a national professional military organization, which at the time was primarily male. She has served in the Reserve Officer Association. She is the only female officer to serve as an International Vice President of the Confederation International Reserve Officers, an organization of the Reserve Officers of the NATO countries. She has been recognized by USAA as representing ideals of courage, leadership and dedication to our country and is the 2002 nominee of the Senior Army Reserve Commanders Association to their Hall of Fame. Highlights in her career included volunteer activities such as the American Red Cross and a variety of community activities ranging from the Retiree Council of Fort Hamilton and New York Area Command, Chair, Community Club of Fort Hamilton, Veterans Administration Advisory Committee on Environmental Hazards and service on her Co-op Board both as president and member. She is a member of the American Nurses Association, Reserve Officers Association, Association of the US Army, Association of the Military Surgeons of the US, 77th US Army ARCOM and RSC Association, Army Nurse Corps, Association of Nursing History, Alumnae Associations of all schools attended since including Fort Hamilton High School, and the Senior Army Reserve Commanders Association and MENSA.

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Colonel Bonner's statement made years ago is as true now as it was then. She stated: "I believe all citizens should share their skills and expertise to the benefit of our country. I also believe that you should continually strive to increase your knowledge so that what you give to your country is ever-increasing in value." A myriad of colleagues and those she has mentored will attest to the fact that she practices those beliefs in full measure.

 

COLONEL BONNER, WE SALUTE YOU.

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