ST. JOSEPH, Mo. -- Maj. Kristie Miller grew up knowing two things, that she wanted to join the military and wanted to have an impact on people’s lives.
Now, she is doing both as the chief nurse for the 139th Airlift Wing’s Medical Group Detachment One.
“I have made it my life’s work to help my community and those in need,” said Miller.
Miller has been an integral member of the Missouri National Guard team that has been mobilized to fight COVID-19. She helped lead the team that set up and staffed the alternate care site in Florissant, where they helped the local hospitals with the care of COVID-19 patients.
She has also been working at the drive-up testing site in Independence, where she has been overseeing the testing and administering of the COVID-19 tests for Missouri citizens.
“Everyone we have helped and tested has been very appreciative of the Guard being there, and the help that we have been giving the state and communities,” said Miller.
While she works to help the community on a daily basis, she also helps train and mentor the Airmen that work with her. While COVID-19 is a new battle for Missouri, she has trained her airmen to handle any situation as a professional.
“Honest and open conversations help put my Airmen’s minds at ease while we are tackling the unknown right now,” Miller said. “Ensuring that they always wear proper personal protective equipment and they continually wash their hands are key to keeping the community safe, as well as themselves.”
Before working full time at the 139th, Miller was a critical care registered nurse in the intensive care unit where she honed her skills as a nurse and a leader. She has also continued her education, and recently earned her Masters of Science in nursing, as well as her MBA.