APPLETON (NBC 26) — The U.S. Navy announced Captain Eric Peterson was promoted to Rear Admiral in his home in Appleton on October 1. He became the Navy's newest flag officer and the first male to achieve this rank in the Nurse Corps.
As a flag officer, Peterson will serve as the Deputy Commander, Naval Medical Forces Atlantic and the Deputy Director Nurse Corps, Reserve Component.
Peterson said the "service and sacrifice" of his grandparents in World War II inspired his entry into the uniformed services.
Peterson's journey began in May 1988 when he enlisted in the North Dakota Army National Guard where he served as a combat medic for three and a half years before exploring a career in nursing.
From an early age, Peterson said he wanted to enter the field of medicine. After EMT training and his time as an enlisted medic he entered the Navy Nurse Corps Candidate Program, gaining his commission in February 1994.
From his first day in the program, he expressed interest in working the Emergency Department. Peterson credits many mentors for helping to guide and shape his career, showing him the true example of clinical excellence and leadership while maintaining humility.
According to a news release from the Navy, Peterson’s distinction as the first male nurse flag officer in the Navy is, in many respects, par for the course for the Navy Nurse Corps which has long had a tradition of notable Navy firsts.
In 1908, 20 individuals known as the "Sacred Twenty" were the first members of the Nurse Corps and the first women in the Navy. In the 1970's, members of the Nurse Corps became the first women to achieve flag rank in the Navy. Until August 1965, the Navy Nurse Corps was exclusively comprised of women.
“The honor and privilege of being selected to represent and lead such a group of talented professionals is immeasurable," said Peterson.
Despite his new role, Peterson’s career goals as a Navy nurse has never changed and at their core have always been about working as part of a team and serving others.
“I had always wanted to make a career of the military,” said Peterson. “I did not have any intentions or thoughts about rank or positions. Throughout my career I just wanted to be able to help people.”
