May 2026
Cheryl
Carson
,
RN
Fresno VA hospital
Visalia
,
CA
United States
Her leadership, compassion, and integrity continue to inspire everyone fortunate enough to work beside her.
It is my distinct honor and privilege to nominate Mrs. Cheryl Carson for the 2026 DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award. Cheryl’s career reflects an unwavering commitment to service, compassion, and leadership—qualities that define nursing at its highest level.
Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Cheryl was the fifth of six children in a close-knit Italian family. From an early age, her nurturing nature and respect for structure shaped the nurse and leader she would become. Before enlisting in the U.S. Navy, she met her husband, Ralph, who has been her lifelong partner and supporter.
Cheryl began her naval career as a dental hygienist and became a Commissioned Officer after earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Elmhurst University in Illinois. She served 24 distinguished years in the Navy, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Commander.
Throughout her Navy career, Cheryl served in various capacities, including Medical-Surgical Units, Hemodialysis, PACU, and Outpatient Clinics. Her military service was not only a professional calling but also a continuation of a beloved family tradition of service to country. Among her many posts, Cheryl treasures her years in Hawaii, from 1995 to 1999, at Barber’s Point, where she fostered deep connections and lifelong memories.
After retiring from the Navy, Cheryl chose to continue serving by caring for her fellow Veterans at the Tulare Community Outpatient Clinic for over 14 years. When she assumed the role of Nurse Manager, the clinic had experienced frequent leadership changes. Cheryl became the steady foundation and unifying presence the team needed—transforming the workplace from a group of colleagues into a true family.
In 2024, Cheryl led the successful relocation of the VA clinic from Tulare to Visalia, ensuring a seamless transition for both staff and patients. Her dedication, organizational skill, and commitment to excellence allowed operations to continue smoothly, while expanding access to quality care for Veterans in the region.
When asked over the years why she chose to stay with the VA, Cheryl consistently replies, “Working with the wonderful Visalia staff and caring for my fellow Veterans is what I love about serving the VA.”
Cheryl Carson embodies the spirit of the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award through her lifelong devotion to nursing, her distinguished military service, and her enduring commitment to Veterans’ care. Her leadership, compassion, and integrity continue to inspire everyone fortunate enough to work beside her.
She was nominated by Shannon Deen, Associate Chief Nurse, Primary Care
Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Cheryl was the fifth of six children in a close-knit Italian family. From an early age, her nurturing nature and respect for structure shaped the nurse and leader she would become. Before enlisting in the U.S. Navy, she met her husband, Ralph, who has been her lifelong partner and supporter.
Cheryl began her naval career as a dental hygienist and became a Commissioned Officer after earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Elmhurst University in Illinois. She served 24 distinguished years in the Navy, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Commander.
Throughout her Navy career, Cheryl served in various capacities, including Medical-Surgical Units, Hemodialysis, PACU, and Outpatient Clinics. Her military service was not only a professional calling but also a continuation of a beloved family tradition of service to country. Among her many posts, Cheryl treasures her years in Hawaii, from 1995 to 1999, at Barber’s Point, where she fostered deep connections and lifelong memories.
After retiring from the Navy, Cheryl chose to continue serving by caring for her fellow Veterans at the Tulare Community Outpatient Clinic for over 14 years. When she assumed the role of Nurse Manager, the clinic had experienced frequent leadership changes. Cheryl became the steady foundation and unifying presence the team needed—transforming the workplace from a group of colleagues into a true family.
In 2024, Cheryl led the successful relocation of the VA clinic from Tulare to Visalia, ensuring a seamless transition for both staff and patients. Her dedication, organizational skill, and commitment to excellence allowed operations to continue smoothly, while expanding access to quality care for Veterans in the region.
When asked over the years why she chose to stay with the VA, Cheryl consistently replies, “Working with the wonderful Visalia staff and caring for my fellow Veterans is what I love about serving the VA.”
Cheryl Carson embodies the spirit of the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award through her lifelong devotion to nursing, her distinguished military service, and her enduring commitment to Veterans’ care. Her leadership, compassion, and integrity continue to inspire everyone fortunate enough to work beside her.
She was nominated by Shannon Deen, Associate Chief Nurse, Primary Care