While we continue commemorating our country’s history, I am proud to highlight one Tiger alumna whose military service and commitment to making a difference illustrates the power of a Mizzou education to change the world.

Raised on her family’s farm in rural Illinois, Dr. Wanona “Winnie” Fritz enrolled in Mizzou’s U.S. Army Student Nurse Program to support her education. She graduated with her nursing degree in 1968 and was called up to serve in Vietnam in 1969. Before deployment, she earned her wings learning to fly in a Huey-D Med-Evac helicopter; throughout the war, she flew during Medical Civic Action Program missions to villages. Her distinguished military service earned her numerous honors, including the Bronze Star.

Dr. Fritz’s service also launched a remarkable career dedicated to helping others and improving medical systems around the world. Her talent for leadership led her to Walter Reed Army Medical Center as a nurse manager, where she cared for U.S. presidents, generals and foreign dignitaries, including King Hussein bin Talal of Jordan in 1972. He recruited her to assess and enhance Jordan’s health and health care system, for which she was awarded the country’s Medal of Honor.

Dr. Fritz led health care initiatives in the U.S. and 23 additional countries and held many prominent leadership roles, including CEO, chief clinical officer and chief nursing officer. She currently serves as the chief operating officer and senior vice president of operations and clinical services for HCCA Management Company in Franklin, Tennessee.

This June, Dr. Fritz received the Dr. Anita Newcomb McGee Legacy Award from the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) in Washington D.C. during their 135th Continental Congress before nearly 3,500 delegates. This award recognizes the lifetime achievements of a former Army nurse who has demonstrated sustained excellence and long-term impact in the field of nursing and health care.

Historically, DAR awards have recognized other accomplished service members for exceptional achievements. Last year, the organization awarded the DAR Medal of Honor to retired Army Col. Edna W. Cummings and retired Army Master Sgt. Elizabeth Helm-Frazier. The distinction honored their more than 25 years of military service, respectively, and advocacy for the predominantly Black 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion.

Because of her sustained career excellence, Mizzou awarded Dr. Fritz the Jefferson Club Golden Quill Alumni Excellence Award last year. We thank Dr. Fritz for serving our country and for her lifelong dedication to global health, and we congratulate her on this well-deserved honor.

— Mun