Captain Laura (Pace, HS 1964) Omer

From the time Laura came to Toccoa Falls High School in 1963 as a junior, she possessed certain qualities that propelled her into a lifetime of service and leadership for her country.

Immediately upon graduating from Toccoa Falls she earned her nursing diploma at The Georgia Baptist School of Nursing, Atlanta and by 1977 had been commissioned a Nurse Corps officer in the U.S. Navy. While in the Navy, she earned her BS in Nursing from The American University, and her MA in Education and Human Development from The George Washington University, both in Washington, D.C.

Throughout her naval career, which spans 30 years, she earned many honors, medals, and meritorious badges, including a service award for “Operation Desert Storm” and one for service at Guantanamo Bay. Perhaps the medal she is most proud is the Defense Superior Service Medal. It represents her efforts while assigned as staff at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. She traveled broadly, coordinating teams of university faculty who provided well-researched continuing education activities centered on current professional practices adapted to each organization at both US and international military health care facilities.

In 1997, I had the privilege of presenting to Laura the Alumna of the Year Award at that year’s Homecoming Awards Banquet. At that time Laura was Commander, and had completed her service on the USNS Comfort (T-AH XX), one of two Naval Hospital Ships.

Laura retired from the U.S. Navy in 2007. Her shipmates celebrated with her on May 16, 2007, honoring her for her service and outstanding leadership. Her service was her ministry.

Since retirement she has settled back into civilian life, enjoying her family in Texas. She is a valued member of the Alumni Association, working closely with the alumni office and Homecoming committee to establish a strong networking process between alumni and recent graduates.

When Captain Laura was presented with her alumni award in 1997, Dr. Paul Alford was quoted in the TFC magazine as, “what a heritage we have here at Toccoa Falls with so many outstanding alumni.” Of course, we share that sentiment when it comes to Laura. She is our hero and we are proud to spotlight her this month.