Kuna Native Plays A Key Role Fighting Coronavirus

Amanda Leavitt of Kuna works as a hospital corpsman in San Diego, and the Navy says she's playing a critical role in keeping other sailors healthy.

Since my dad is a Navy veteran, you know I can't resist a good Navy story.

This one involves 2018 Kuna High School graduate, Amanda Leavitt, and highlights the ways that the Navy is having to change because of the pandemic.

The Navy says Hosptialman Amanda Leavitt, is playing a critical role in helping maintain the force while working at Naval Medical Center San Diego. Her skills are helping the Navy Hospital Corps treat sailors who need to get well and keep other sailors healthy.  She's taken a little bit of Idaho with her because as she puts it, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Kuna.

“I learned that in times of challenge, we need be strong,” Leavitt said. “Navy medicine has one of the most honorable histories of time, and to be a part of such a mentally strong and selfless group of people is the most humbling work I could do."  She added, "This pandemic has been challenging on everyone but if everyone does their part, we can rely on each other during these times.”

The Navy says technological innovations are transforming medical training for the next generation of hospital corpsmen.  And, Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations, said since the pandemic hit, they've had to harden the Navy and boost the focus on the health and safety of sailors and their families.

Navy Hospital Corpsmen have earned 22 Medals of Honor, 179 Navy Crosses, 959 Silver Stars, and more than 1,600 Bronze Stars. Twenty ships have been named in honor of corpsmen.

She's in good company.