Sidney resident Kathleen “Kathy” Hayes has made caring for military members her life’s work.

She served 35 years in the U.S. Army, retiring as a Colonel.

Hayes, 57, has worked as a nurse and Hospice coordinator at the Dayton VA Medical Center since 1995.

“It’s an honor to hear our veterans’ stories and hear the stories of their sacrifice,” Hayes said. “It’s important each veteran knows they made a difference in this world.”

Hayes is married to Mike, and the couple has two daughters, Jessica and Jennifer.

She is also a board member of the American Veterans Heritage Center, a nonprofit organization on the Dayton VA campus. She has volunteered with the organization for about three years.

“I’ve dedicated my life to care for our veterans at all stages in their career and their life,” she said. “I am very humbled and honored to do that.”

Favorite memory of your hometown: “We’re blessed with wonderful friends and neighbors. It’s a very wonderful supportive community.”

Branch of service, rank, years in service: U.S. Army, Colonel, 35 years of service active and reserve. She recently was inducted into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame.

How person got involved in the military: “To pay for my college education. They paid for my bachelor and master’s degree in nursing.”

What actions she performed: “During Desert Storm, I was head nurse and managed one of the medical surgical wards. In Iraq, I was a chief nurse over the combat support hospital. I was also the chief nurse for three different combat support hospitals in Ohio, Florida and Iraq.”

Most satisfying part about the person’s work: “Caring for our soldiers. Being a soldier myself, I’ve enjoyed caring for our soldiers and now our veterans.”