Bishop John Noonan | Diocese of Orland website

As the week dedicated to honoring veterans concludes, Florida Catholic highlights the stories of three women who have served their country and continue to serve through their faith.

Rory Miller enlisted in the Army right after college. Initially working with amputees as a nurse practitioner for the Army Nurse Corps, she later found her calling in pediatrics. Despite retiring, she returned to service at age 60 to fill in for a pediatrician deployed to Afghanistan. Raised Catholic, Miller and her husband Kent reconnected with their faith and now actively serve their community through various outreach programs. "That’s what’s gotten us back to being the Catholics we should be," she said.

Sharon Branch began her military journey with Junior ROTC in college, meeting her husband John there. She joined the Air Force and held several administrative roles throughout her career. Despite not achieving her aspiration of becoming a full colonel, Branch reflects positively on her career path. After John's passing, she found solace in family support and now contributes to Holy Family Parish's Respect Life Ministry among other roles. "This is something so important I wanted to give it everything I could," she stated.

Joan Campanaro initially joined the Army for nursing experience but stayed due to a newfound appreciation for serving those willing to risk their lives for their country. Her deployment during Desert Storm deepened her Catholic faith as she found comfort in prayer amidst challenging circumstances. Now involved with social justice initiatives like F.A.I.T.H., Campanaro emphasizes love and respect as core values learned from both her military service and Catholic teachings.

These women's experiences highlight ongoing contributions beyond their military careers, underscoring themes of faith, service, and community engagement.