The Society of Air Force Nurses (SAFN), founded in 1986, is an incorporated 501(c) (19). Its members include registered nurses who currently serve or who have served in the United States Air Force Nurse Corp as either Active, Reserve and Guard or as WWII Flight Nurses. Sadly, our WWII generation has mostly passed on, but their influence is still felt in the Society.
About Me: I retired after serving for 30 years in the US Air Force with my career culminating as Chief Nurse and Deputy Commander, 56th Medical Group, Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. I currently reside in Scottsdale, AZ. I remain active in the community and am a supporting force in veterans’ organizations, charitable efforts and constantly strive to spread encouragement and motivation to all. It is my honor to have been selected to serve as your Director of the Rocky Mountain Region. My goal is to maintain members’ participation and keep interest in being a vital part of this organization. Generating togetherness will make this region the best it can be. To do this, I need your input, participation and communication to ensure the region gives you what you want. Communication is the key. Feel free to contact me anytime with ideas and suggestions. My email is RMRDirector@safn.org.
About the Region: The Rocky Mountain Region is made up of 7 states. The states in our region are Montana, Idaho, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Wyoming. We have a total of 123 members in the region. As of July 2025 the breakdown is MT - 4, WY - 7, UT - 3, CO - 48, AZ - 44, NM -16, ID - 1.
The Region has four active chapters located in Colorado Springs, Phoenix, Albuquerque and Tucson.
Chapter Coordinators:
Colorado Springs - Teri Feliz
Phoenix - Elaine Betsch
Albuquerque - Paulette Herman
Tucson - Kimberly Metcalf and Dorothy (Dottie) Lewis
Geographic distances are a challenge, but regional meetings are generally held in the even years. We plan to hold a regional meeting for 2026 in the Phoenix area. Stay tuned for more details! Updates will be posted here on this site. Check back frequently for details.
Numerous activities take place in each of our chapters throughout the year. Each chapter participates in memorial and outreach type of activities as well as having fun together and celebrating events. Recent gatherings included holiday events, Nurses Week celebrations at local bases and Veterans Celebrations. We are currently in need of a Region Memorial Coordinator and an Outreach Coordinator. Please contact me if you are interested in assisting with either of these two groups.
I look forward to gathering with old and new friends alike at the 2025 SAFN National Convention, which will be from 14-17 October in Warwick Rhode Island. There is an optional Fall Foliage Cruise that follows the reunion. Hope to see you all there. Here is the link for the reunion. Registration ends September 15, 2025. https://www.events.afr-reg.com/e/AFNurses2025
