Sacrifice at the height of a global pandemic asks more of a person than routine healthcare service ever could. It demands courage that runs deeper than fear and a sense of responsibility stronger than exhaustion.
This is the kind of bravery that defines Barbara Zawolo.
This is the story of Barbara, a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, who decided to step forward when stepping forward was not the safest idea.
Reaching the Limits: The Military Healthcare System During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic exacted a heavy price on nations, families, and institutions. The World Health Organization estimates up to 14.83 million excess deaths worldwide.1 Entire economies slowed, schools closed, and mental health challenges surged in nearly every population.
As part of the whole-of-government response, the Military Health System confronted the emergency head-on. Serving 9.6 million beneficiaries through more than 700 medical facilities and 144,000 personnel, it has considerable reach.2 But even with this network, the pandemic pushed the system toward its limits.
Healthcare teams faced challenges such as:
- Organizational transitions
- Implementation of new policies
- Disruptions to clinical training and upskilling
- Supply chain delays
- Staffing shortages
Through all of this, countless professionals stepped forward to meet the moment. One of them was Barbara Zawolo.
More on: The Role of Federal Healthcare in Crises
Barbara’s Part in the National Response
During the pandemic, Barbara volunteered to leave her usual post on the 4 West Unit and move to the 4 East Unit to help care for COVID patients. She chose to serve where the risks were highest and the need was greatest.
As an LPN, she supported patient monitoring, medication administration, wound care, and communication between families and the clinical team.
Her duties also included:
- Providing emotional comfort for isolated patients
- Assisting Registered Nurses and physicians during rapid changes in patient condition
- Maintaining strict infection control protocols
Her presence was steady, essential, and lifesaving.
“You Must Go and Serve”: Answering a Call in the Darkest Hours
Nothing about Barbara’s decision was ordinary. She was stepping into an environment shaped by fear, uncertainty, and constant loss.
She remembers the moment everything changed around her:
“So, when COVID came into place, we were sitting down on our units and places were closing up. And it was just very dead everywhere, and the building was shutting down.”
The atmosphere reminded her she had been called to healthcare for a purpose.
“I was like no, I cannot sit here and see those other nurses behind that black door. Something within me woke up again and say you must go and serve. And I volunteered, and I said I am willing to be here, to be a part with this caring team that we take care of COVID patients, and we all can win this battle.”
Deep Roots: Where Barbara’s Heart to Serve Came From
Barbara’s courage was not new. It was shaped during her childhood in Liberia, where she witnessed the impact of care during crisis.
“Why did I become a nurse? I became a nurse because from my father’s injury during the Civil War in Liberia. He was shot, and nurses came to his rescue. And because of the way they were swift in saving him and saving him and treating him to stop an excessive blood flow, it built in me the drive to serve others too, without anything attached.”
This early moment shaped her purpose and the strength she carried into the pandemic.
The True Weight of Frontline Service
Working on the COVID units was draining, frightening, and relentless. Barbara recalls the emotional intensity of every shift.
“So going there every day, I went there with a mind to make somebody’s day better each time. And it was emotionally heavy for us, draining. When we get off those rooms, we are sweating. We are tired, all nurses.”
To protect her family, she made the painful choice to isolate from them.
“I stayed in the basement. I quarantined from them. I yell at my daughter, who is a helper like me. I had to tell her stay away from me because I do not want you to get sick.”
Despite the fear and the fatigue, she continued showing up.
“That was why I volunteered to go there, to serve. And I will do it again.”
Her dedication earned recognition, including a nomination for the Nightingale Award for her service caring for COVID-19 patients at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
How Matrix Providers Supported Barbara’s Mission
During the crisis, Barbara found stability, professionalism, and encouragement through her role with Matrix Providers. Her work there supported her through uncertain days and helped her stay focused on serving patients during a critical moment in history.
She describes feeling secure in her role, knowing she was supported by a team that valued her contributions.
“It gives me so much security in a sense that I know I’m working for a right group of people who are not just there to see me go do stuff for them, for their bottom line, and leave me hanging or leave us hanging.”
Her appreciation for that support has stayed with her.
“I would definitely recommend Matrix Providers to anyone anytime, like I always do.”
With Matrix Providers, you can serve like Barbara, too
For healthcare professionals who feel called to serve military communities, Matrix Providers offers the support, structure, and mission-driven opportunities to make that work possible.
If Barbara’s story resonates with your sense of purpose, reach out to Matrix Providers and explore how you can make a meaningful difference.
References
- Msemburi, William, et al. “The WHO Estimates of Excess Mortality Associated with the COVID-19 Pandemic.” Nature, 2022. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9812776/
- Pomer, Alysa, et al. “The Response of the Military Health System (MHS) to the COVID-19 Pandemic.” Health Research Policy and Systems, 2024. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10773054/