As part of our Women’s History Month celebrations, Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial is proud to highlight the extraordinary career of LtCol Evelyn Jean Wright, this year’s honoree at our upcoming Women’s History Tribute and Brunch on March 20, 2025.
In 1951, a young nursing student completed her training at Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in San Diego, unaware that her career would soon soar to remarkable heights.
Evelyn Jean Wright’s journey began right here in our community, at a time when Mercy Hospital was establishing itself as one of Southern California’s premier nursing education centers.
Mercy’s rigorous three-year diploma program combined intensive classroom instruction with extensive clinical practice, instilling values of precision, dedication, and service—principles that would serve Wright well throughout her military career.
As the Korean War created urgent demand for military medical personnel, the newly established United States Air Force actively recruited exceptional nursing graduates. For women like Wright, the military offered rare professional opportunities during an era of limited career options. Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, Wright was attached to the 2796th Medical Group where she worked diligently in surgical wards, demonstrating the exceptional clinical skills she had developed at Mercy. Her dedication and aptitude soon led her to a specialized path within military nursing.
As the Korean War created urgent demand for military medical personnel, the newly established United States Air Force actively recruited exceptional nursing graduates. For women like Wright, the military offered rare professional opportunities during an era of limited career options. Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, Wright was attached to the 2796th Medical Group where she demonstrated the exceptional clinical skills she had developed at Mercy while working in surgical wards. Her dedication and aptitude soon led her to a specialized path that would define much of her military career. In 1954, Wright undertook specialized Flight Nurse training, earning her wings and joining an elite group of nurses qualified to provide medical care in the challenging environment of military aircraft. This pioneering role combined advanced nursing expertise with the demands of aviation—requiring extraordinary skill, composure, and adaptability under intense pressure.
Later assigned to the 1453rd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron in Tachikawa, Japan, Flight Nurse Wright transported wounded and ill service members across the vast Pacific Ocean to Travis Air Force Base in C-135 aircraft. These missions, often lasting many hours over open water, required nurses to make critical medical decisions with limited resources thousands of feet in the air—a testament to the exceptional capabilities of these airborne medical professionals.
Wright’s contributions to military medicine extended beyond direct patient care. After earning her Master’s Degree in Maternal/Child Nursing, she broke new ground by developing and teaching the first advanced obstetrical nursing course in the military—creating a foundation for specialized maternal care for servicewomen and military families. Her expertise and leadership in this field led to her appointment as Consultant in Maternal Nursing to the Surgeon General, allowing her to shape policies and practices that would benefit countless women throughout the military healthcare system.
Following her retirement from the United States Air Force in 1973 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, Wright continued to embody the spirit of service and adventure that characterized her military career. She volunteered with hospice patients, providing compassionate care to those facing life’s final journey. Perhaps most remarkably, she became an accomplished glider pilot—once again taking to the skies, this time steering engineless aircraft through thermal currents with the same precision and courage she had shown as a flight nurse.
LtCol Evelyn Jean Wright’s story exemplifies the extraordinary contributions women have made to the United States Air Force. From providing critical medical care in challenging environments to pioneering specialized healthcare programs, women like Wright have played essential roles in military operations while breaking barriers and creating pathways for future generations.
“Women in the military, particularly in specialized roles like flight nursing, demonstrated exceptional skill and courage during an era when professional opportunities for women were severely limited. LtCol Wright’s career from Mercy Hospital to the highest levels of Air Force nursing showcases the remarkable impact of these pioneers.”- Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial
We invite you to join us in honoring LtCol Wright and celebrating the contributions of women to the United States Air Force at our Women’s History Tribute and Brunch on March 20, 2025. This special event will provide an opportunity to learn more about these remarkable servicewomen and recognize their lasting legacy.
IMPORTANT: Ticket sales end March 13, 2025 at 11:59 PM
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For additional information about the event or sponsorship, contact rebeccaevleth@soledadmemorial.com
