Brittany Calarese Joining the Army Nurse Corps

Norwood native Brittany Calarese is about to launch her career as a member of the elite Army Nurse Corps.

 Calarese, a nurse with Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program (BHCHP), reports to training in San Antonio, Texas at the beginning of January. After her three-month training program, she’ll report to duty at the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center at Ford Hood in Killeen, Texas.

 One of the six corps of medical specialists of the U.S. Army Medical Department, the Army Nurse Corps comprises more than 11,000 men and women, providing health care to military personnel, their families and military retirees all over the world.  Calarese was one of 10 registered nurses nationwide chosen to join her particular program in 2013. 

 Calarese currently works at BHCHP’s medical clinic located at the New England Center for Homeless Veterans. She said it’s been great talking to her patients about her career plans and hearing about their own war experiences. “I think it’s going to be a great adventure,” said Calarese, whose grandfather served in the Navy and uncle — in the Air Force. “I like the idea of being a soldier and a nurse.”

 Founded in 1985, BHCHP has evolved into the largest and most comprehensive health care for the homeless program in the country, delivering services to more than 12,000 homeless men, women and children a year at more than 80 shelters and sites. For more information, visit www.bhchp.org.

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