Nurses, state officials honor WWII nurse cadet ahead of 101st birthday

Ahead of her 101st birthday, World War II-era nurse cadet Agnes Lowe was celebrated by state officials and the regional nurse honor guards Thursday for her lifetime of service. Members of the East Tennessee and Appalachian Highlands nurse honor guards recognized Lowe with a living tribute at Christian Assisted Living of Johnson City. Joined by State Rep. Rebecca Alexander, R–Jonesborough, the nurses also presented Lowe with official proclamations from the state legislature and Gov. Bill Lee. Because the federal program was dissolved after the second world war, nurse cadets like Lowe never received veteran status for their service. Christina Trentham, vice president for the East Tennessee Nurse Honor Guard, has been working with her organization to get recognition for Lowe. "We've spent a lot of time and effort trying to get the recognition that she deserves through state and government officials," Trentham said. "We're honored to be able to present her today with the proclamation from Gov. Lee, acknowledging her service. At the age of 18, Lowe became one of 124,000 women nationwide — 8,000 in Tennessee — to serve in the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps. After three years of training, she served a six month assignment as a senior cadet nurse at the Mountain Home Veteran Affairs hospital in Johnson City. There, she cared for World War I and World War II veterans. "As nurses we're led into this profession. It's a calling. And she stepped up and she answered that call and she's continued to support her veterans through her work and efforts," Trentham said. "She paved the way for our success as nurses."In addition to proclamations from the state legislature and the governor, Lowe was also presented with a flag from Gov. Lee that flew over the state's capitol in her honor. Lowe turns 101 on Sept. 21. Following the honor guard's tribute, she said she was grateful for the recognition. "It means a lot to be recognized," Lowe said. "I enjoyed being a nurse so much." "It gives a lot of satisfaction to me that I was able to help someone."