JACKSONVILLE – Cmdr. Betty Sowell Wilson, a resident of League City, Texas, is playing a critical role in the U.S. Navy’s efforts to maintain a healthy and ready fighting force in the face of the Coronavirus pandemic.
As a member of the Nurse Corps serving with the Navy Wounded Warrior Program in San Antonio, Wilson is one of the 139 service members assigned to Task Force Southeast – Jacksonville, the primary Department of Defense (DoD) support organization for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) response to COVID-19.
“I serve as the Officer-in-Charge of the Navy team of 139 medical and non-medical sailors,” said Wilson. “The team administers the COVID-19 vaccine to all members of the Jacksonville, Florida community, as well as provides necessary observation care and supports this community vaccination effort.”
The DOD remains committed to breaking the cycle of transmission as it provides support to approved FEMA requests. Task Force Southeast – Jacksonville protects against COVID-19 outbreak and conducts response operations within FEMA regions III & IV.
“All of our Navy personnel here at the Jacksonville Community Vaccination Center are uniquely capable of providing immediate medical expertise and training to help counter the threat of the pandemic to our Nation,” said Capt. David Barrows, medical officer-in-charge of Task Force Southeast – Jacksonville and executive officer, Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Jacksonville. “We are proud and privileged to serve our country and community in time of need, right here at home.”
According to Wilson, a 1986 graduate of Natchitoches Central High School graduate in Natchitoches, Louisiana, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Natchitoches.
“I learned to always be available to support and care for others in the community, as I have done for over 26 years in the military,” said Wilson. “I also do my best to treat each other fairly and put aside any biases or prejudices. I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to use the lessons learned as a huge part of combating this global pandemic prior to retiring this year from military service.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Wilson, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition that dates back centuries. Their efforts, especially during this time of challenge brought on by the Coronavirus, will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who provide the Navy the nation needs.
“I am humbled by this challenge, and amazed to see the Department of Defense (Army, Navy, Air Force and National Guard) working in harmony alongside other organizations, such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the state of Florida, to accomplish the mission of combating the COVID pandemic,” added Wilson.
