Ret. US Army SSgt, former BSC Nursing Student, Returns to Alma Mater to Speak
Retired US Army SSgt. And Licensed Practical Nurse William Thompson spoke to Bluefield State College Nursing students in the NURS230L (Patient Centered Care Two) course. Thompson, a former student in the nursing program, was unable to complete his education because he was deployed to the Middle East, during which time he suffered lung damage that resulted in two complete lung transplants.
He spoke to students about his military service experience and the “burn pits” that were perpetually burning. Later he described his experience as a lung transplant recipient, along with the concurrent commitment and support needed by patients and families. He also discussed the medication regimen he takes on a daily basis, and spoke also about his advocacy for Congressional action on legislation to provide health care benefits for military veterans impacted by lung disease from the burn pits.
