Kelly Wheeler's Story


When Kelly left the Navy, she wanted to continue in healthcare, but found out her military experience wasn’t recognized by civilian healthcare facilities, and she would have to go back to school and start completely over. “I was really upset that I spent 7 years of my life and not much was going to show for that afterword.”   - Kelly Wheeler


Heroes for Healthcare was able to make a road map for Kelly’s civilian healthcare career by placing her in a job with Hospital Partner, UW Health, as a Medical Assistant Technician, Fall of 2023.


Watch the Viral Video of Wis-MAC participant Kelly Wheeler find success in civilian healthcare.


Viral UW Health Video

Rudy Jackson - UW Health Chief Nurse Executive

“Not only does it help Kelly and help her as she advances in her professional career, but it also helps us as an organization. When we have a gap in our workforce and we need to fill that gap, here is an opportunity for us to leverage her skill set, while supporting her so she can get her education.” Rudy's statement on the Wis-MAC program.


“The only job I could get after 8 years being a medic was Blockbuster. When we have a gap in our workforce and we need to fill that gap, here is an opportunity for us to leverage veterans skills set.“

  - Rudy Jackson, DNP, MHA, RN, CENP and U.S. Army combat medic (91A) veteran

2024 Wis-MAC Participant Gala Honorees

Pictured with President of Heroes for Healthcare, Laura Hanoski:

John Westley Fox Army Staff Sergeant E6

Raiza Reyna Navy Hospital Corpsman Third Class E4

Kelly Wheeler Navy Hospital Corpsman Second Class E5

Steven Adams Navy Damage Controleman 2nd Class Surface Warfare DC2(SW)

John Wick Navy Hospital Corpsman Second Class E5

A thank you letter to

Heroes for Healthcare

"I am writing to express my genuine appreciation for making the Heroes for Healthcare possible. I am thankful for your support and ecstatic to complete my higher education by earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing this May of 2025.


This fall and winter I did very well in my clinical rotations and nursing classes. In the spring I plan to graduate with a degree in nursing. It is a profession I am very passionate about, and I get the opportunity to help people in my community regain their health and normal lifestyle. Being in the military, I recognize the need and importance health has. During my service, I deployed with my medical unit to Kuwait and Afghanistan in support of Operation Spartan Shield and Enduring Freedom. I also was a part of the one of the first Urban Augmentation Medical Task Forces during the pandemic where I gained experience serving vulnerable communities through an exasperating time. I want to continue serving my communities and military population as long as I can. Each semester I become one step closer to my goal of becoming a nurse. The financial assistance provided will significantly help me pay for the required expenses as part of my degree. They allow me to concentrate on my studies and succeed. Truly, I cannot thank you enough.



Through Heroes for Healthcare supporting me, you eased my academic financial burden. Your generosity has inspired me to extend a hand to people in the community and help others achieve their goals just as you have helped me."

-KB

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