Honoring Veterans Pursuing Nursing: 3rd & Goal Scholarship Recap

The 3rd & Goal Nursing Scholarship, established in 2021, continues to make a meaningful impact in the lives of Veterans working at OhioHealth. Through its Operation Education initiative, the 3rd & Goal Foundation provides financial support to Veterans pursuing or advancing their nursing education. This year, two deserving recipients Natalie and Shelby were awarded scholarships to support their academic and professional goals.

Natalie, a U.S. Air Force Veteran, served four years on active duty as a Registered Nurse at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. During her service, she worked at the base hospital and was a member of a mobility team. Natalie also proudly represented her base on the basketball team. Now, she’s continuing her journey in healthcare with the support of the 3rd & Goal scholarship.

Shelby, currently serving in the Ohio Air National Guard since 2016, holds the rank of Technical Sergeant (E6) in the Air Transportation Unit. Her responsibilities have included inspecting and loading cargo, managing passenger operations, and supporting major military exercises such as the international Air Defender 2023. She also worked on the frontlines of the COVID-19 mission in late 2021 at Cleveland Clinic. Shelby has received recognition from the Inspector General for her role in Nuclear Readiness Inspections and continues to serve with distinction.

Shelby’s long-term goals are to complete her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and eventually pursue a Master of Science in Nursing to become a Family Nurse Practitioner. Inspired by her clinical experiences at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Riverside’s Labor & Delivery Unit, she hopes to build her career in pediatric or maternal care.

We are proud to support Natalie and Shelby as they take the next steps in their nursing careers!