Maj. Katie Lunning's story is a profound blend of faith, courage, and dedication. From her early education shaped by Christian values to her groundbreaking role as the first female in the National Guard to receive the Distinguished Flying Cross for her service in Kabul, her journey is a testament to the power of faith and service. Emphasizing the impact of nursing in conflict zones and the importance of not shying away from challenges, Lunning's narrative on LeadersLead.life inspires with her reliance on faith, dedication to saving lives, and making history in military service.
“Kabul was chaotic and unprecedented,” Lunning says. “I am currently part of a three-person team called CCATT— Critical Care Air Transport Team. The team is made up of a critical care physician or surgeon, a critical care nurse, and a respiratory therapist. When Afghanistan fell to the Taliban and the country descended on Kabul to try and escape, we were tasked with flying out the most critically injured. We flew almost non-stop for three weeks.” Lunning was on the first responding flight after a suicide bomb went off at the Kabul Airport’s infamous Abbey Gate. The blast killed 170 civilians and 13 U.S. service members. Lunning and her team flew six critically injured and 16 injured to Germany on an eight-hour flight. As the Taliban’s chokehold on the city closed dangerously around the airport, Lunning and her team were evacuated on the very last flight out of Kabul.
“When I am on a mission, I say a quick prayer and then I focus on my job.”
When Lunning was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the nation’s highest flying award. It was a historic moment as she was the first Air National Guard member to receive the award and joins only a dozen other women in American history to be awarded the honor.
In a world that is mired by war and conflict, Lunning sees an opportunity to make a difference through nursing. “There is a lot of hope in the nursing profession,” Lunning says. She is a firm believer that nurses are capable of great impact in a hurting world, especially nurses who are motivated and sustained by faith in God. Her advice to nursing students is to not turn down any opportunity. In her own life, she has seen the hand of God directing her path and leading her as she surrenders her own plans in obedience. She encourages those considering a different path in nursing to be open to being challenged and to trust God’s leadership.
“God will create paths to use you in ways you could not even imagine.”