Nurses Honor Guard of East Central Alabama

12/30/2025

On Christmas night, we witnessed something truly unforgettable. The Nurses Honor Guard of East Central Alabama had the profound honor of meeting monks on their Walk for Peace from Texas to Washington, DC as they arrived at The Foundry Church in Opelika. As they approached, we proudly stood with a lit Nightingale lamp, welcoming them in a moment filled with deep meaning.

The experience moved everyone in attendance. With gratefulness and respect, the Nurses Honor Guard of East Central Alabama presented the monks with the Nightingale lamp that helped light their way into Opelika, along with donated medical supplies to support their safety and wellbeing as they continue their journey.

We wish these monks peace, strength, and good health as they continue to sacrifice for the wellbeing of others. Their walk is a reminder that we can all strive to live with greater peace, love, and compassion—for ourselves and for all humanity. This is a moment we will carry with us always.

🕯️

12/30/2025

On Thursday, December 11, 2025, the Nurses Honor Guard of East Central Alabama had the privilege of honoring Marlo Hornsby, RN, a nurse whose career reflected exceptional skill, compassion, and dedication to the nursing profession.

Marlo was widely respected for her extensive knowledge and clinical excellence. Throughout her career at East Alabama Medical Center, she served patients in PACU Phase II, CVICU, Progressive Care, the Outpatient Cardiac Observation Unit, PACU, and 2SW Cardiac Services. She also spent time serving as a hospice nurse, offering comfort and dignity at the end of life, before returning to EAMC in the Cardiovascular Unit.

In addition to her clinical expertise, Marlo was a gifted mentor and a trusted friend to many nurses. She generously shared her knowledge and left a lasting impact on those she guided. Her colleagues hold cherished memories of her kindness, leadership, and unwavering compassion. Marlo Hornsby will be deeply missed and forever remembered for the lives she touched and the legacy she leaves behind.

Marlo Hornsby, RN, we officially release you from your nursing duties. Your service is complete. We will proudly continue to carry the torch.

🕊️

Nightingale Tribute Leader: Pooie Cantrell RN
Guard Members: Genie Bocek RN BSN, Jennifer Roberts RN, Jane Fullum RN BSN MSN, Lea Howell RN, Amanda Simmons RN BSN, Joyce Forehand RN.

11/11/2025

11/09/2025

🇺🇸 Honoring Service and Sacrifice 🇺🇸

The Nurses Honor Guard of East Central Alabama had the privilege of providing a Nightingale Tribute to First Lieutenant Merle Parker, RN during the Opelika Freedom Fest Veterans Breakfast.

It was a deeply moving ceremony and a wonderful opportunity to share our mission with veterans and community members.

Following the tribute, our members were honored to walk in the Veterans Parade and meet two Medal of Honor recipients:

🎖️ SFC Melvin Morris, U.S. Army
🎖️ CSM Robert “Bob” Patterson, U.S. Army

It was a truly meaningful and memorable day for all who participated.

💙 No Nurse Forgotten 💙

11/08/2025

🇺🇸 Honoring Our Fallen Nurses 🇺🇸

On Thursday November 6, 2025, members of the Nurses Honor Guard of East Central Alabama were deeply honored to assist in a statewide Nightingale Tribute honoring ten nurses who served and sacrificed during the Vietnam War.

Their courage, compassion, and service to others will never be forgotten.

🕊️ We Remember:

2nd Lieutenant Carol Ann Drazba
KIA: February 18, 1966 — Panel 5E, Line 46

2nd Lieutenant Elizabeth Ann Jones
KIA: February 18, 1966 — Panel 5E, Line 47

Captain Eleanor Grace Alexander
KIA: November 30, 1967 — Panel 31E, Line 8

2nd Lieutenant Hedwig Diane Orlowski
KIA: November 30, 1967 — Panel 31E, Line 15

1st Lieutenant Jerome E. Olmsted
KIA: November 30, 1967 — Panel 31E, Line 15

1st Lieutenant Kenneth Shoemaker
KIA: November 30, 1967 — Panel 31E, Line 17

2nd Lieutenant Pamela Dorothy Donovan
KIA: July 8, 1968 — Panel 53W, Line 43

Lieutenant Colonel Annie Ruth Graham
KIA: August 14, 1968 — Panel W48, Line 12

1st Lieutenant Sharon Ann Lane
KIA: June 8, 1969 — Panel 23W, Line 112

Their dedication to caring for others in the midst of war embodies the truest spirit of nursing.

🕯️ May their legacy live on in every nurse who follows in their footsteps.

11/08/2025

On October 30, 2025, The Nurses Honor Guard of East Central Alabama was deeply honored to present a special donation to the Alabama Department of Archives and History.

Our donation included several meaningful items used in our Nightingale Tributes:

🔔A triangle
🪔A Nightingale lamp
🥼A traditional nurse's cap
🩵 A handmade cape created by Ms. Rochelle Talbert of Notasulga — whose mother was a nurse and who was present for the donation of one of her beautiful, hand-stitched capes.

These items will now be part of the museum’s collection, representing the legacy and service of nurses across Alabama.

We were also grateful for the opportunity to tour some of the museum’s newest exhibits and share our mission with staff and visitors who were unfamiliar with our work.

💙 No Nurse Forgotten 💙

11/08/2025

🎉 Congratulations to our Raffle Winners! 🎉

A big thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth at the Loachapoka Syrup Sopping Festival on Saturday, October 25!

🖥️ Smart TV Winner: Angela Sipos
👁️ Full Set of Lashes & Lash Care Kit (by Travel Lashes by Kayla): Raven

Your generosity and support mean so much to the Nurses Honor Guard of East Central Alabama. Every ticket purchased helps us continue our mission:
💙 No Nurse Forgotten 💙

Eyelash service provided by Travel Lashes by Kayla — thank you for your generous donation!

Smart TV donated by one of the Nurses Honor Guard of East Central Alabama 's own members, Dawne Ciampi -- thank you for your generosity!

10/24/2025

🎉 Come See Us at the Loachapoka Syrup Sopping Festival! 🎉

Stop by the Nurses Honor Guard of East Central Alabama booth this Saturday, October 25 for a day of fun, community, and your chance to win great raffle prizes! 🎟✨

We’re holding TWO exciting raffles:
📺 Vizio 50” 4K UHD LED HDR Smart TV
💫 Eyelash Service by Travel Lashes by Kayla (Full set of lashes any style and free lash care kit)

🎟 Tickets are $5 each per raffle — you can enter one, the other, or both for double the chances to win!
🏆 Winners will be announced at the end of the day Saturday!

Your support helps our local 501(c)(3) nonprofit continue honoring nurses with the Nightingale Tribute, ensuring every nurse is recognized for their years of compassion, dedication, and service. 💙

Come by to purchase tickets and find out more about our work towards our mission: No Nurse Forgotten. 🌟

10/17/2025

‼️Thank you to Jeffcoat Trant Funeral Home ‼️

We are deeply grateful to Jeffcoat Trant Funeral Home & Crematory of Opelika for their incredible generosity in covering the entire cost of our new informational pamphlets — approximately 4,000 in total!

These pamphlets will allow the Nurses Honor Guard of East Central Alabama to reach more people who may not yet know about our mission and the tributes we provide to honor our fellow nurses gone before us.

Thanks to Jeffcoat-Trant’s support, we can continue sharing our message of remembrance and respect for those who have devoted their lives to caring for others. With such generous support, we are better able to strive toward our mission: No Nurse Forgotten.

🕯️🤍🕊️