Note: This message was originally sent on July 21, 2022
On the Fourth of July I promised to share with you more about Gonzaga’s connections to the military—today, I’m sending you the story of Captain Meaghan Mug, a current student in Gonzaga’s post-master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and veteran U.S. Army nurse.
Inspired by her father’s military service, Meaghan earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Washington as a Distinguished Military Graduate through their ROTC program and was commissioned into the U.S. Army. The first woman in her family to serve, she spent five years as an active-duty nurse, serving on a medical-surgical unit, and in the operation room.
“One of my favorite memories was being sworn in by my father on the day I received my commission,” she shared. “It was a salient reminder of the family legacy of service that I was joining, and made me feel connected to my dad, grandfather, and uncles in a new way.”
She continued serving as a reservist so that she could pursue her dream of becoming a nurse practitioner. Meaghan deployed to Afghanistan in 2016 as the Officer in Charge of the operating room for a Forward Surgical Team, earning a Bronze Star for her service. In total, she served for nine years, including time in Afghanistan, Washington, Texas, Florida, Germany, and Indonesia.
Since completing her military service, Meaghan has worked as a family nurse practitioner for a federally qualified health center in Seattle. Drawn to serving those most in need, Meaghan treats many patients experiencing homelessness and addiction. She is also a leader in her organization for the treatment of opioid use disorder.
Seeing the need for improved healthcare education on substance abuse and public policy advocacy for the most vulnerable members of her community, Meaghan decided to pursue a doctoral degree at Gonzaga University. It is her hope to utilize this degree to influence state-level policies on combating the opioid epidemic and to provide nursing students with the skills needed to compassionately care for all people.
“My experiences in the military taught me the value of being a servant leader who is committed to the welfare and development of those in her stead,” she said. “I take great pride in being an Army woman veteran, and although I no longer wear the uniform, I strive always to embody the values of selfless service and personal courage through my work for the members of my own community.”
Gonzaga is grateful for the experience and perspective veteran Zags like Meaghan bring to its programs and campus, as well as the freedoms she and her fellow servicemembers protect.