NEPTUNE TOWNSHIP - Gretchen Peters went from serving her country in the United States Air Force to serving her community as a volunteer EMT at Neptune Township EMS. TAPinto Neptune/Neptune City recently had an opportunity to speak with Gretchen about her experiences volunteering, and the path that led her to becoming an APN.
“I wanted to help those around me throughout my community,” said Peters on her decision to volunteer. “I began as an EMT at Neptune Township EMS, and throughout all my experience and learning opportunities, I have reached my ultimate goal of being an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse.”
Landing a rewarding and dynamic career was one of the main reasons Peters decided to enlist immediately after graduating high school. “I needed the assistance to pay for school, but also wanted to continue the military service tradition within my family, as my father and grandfathers served,” said Peters. She also counts among her heroes, “ My heroes would be my parents, grandparents, family members (aunts and uncles) and those I have served my country with,” continuing, "my parents taught me so much as a child growing up and are often still teaching me things. Honestly, my father and both grandfathers served in the military, and it was that tradition I wanted to follow and that helped me learn how much I loved helping others. :
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Peters’ career spanned over 20 years, and she served in Bagram, Afghanistan twice, Ramstein, Germany and Dover, Delaware. She retired this past month at the rank of Major. Peters spent most of her career stationed in New Jersey, which allowed her to remain an active volunteer. Peters was born in Long Branch and grew up in Tinton Falls, first attending college at St. Peter's University in Jersey City and then transferring to Stockton College, graduating with a bachelors degree in Biology in 2006. She then attended Brookdale Community College for an Associate’s Degree In Science, attaining her RN, then completing her BSN at St Peter’s University 2014. Most recently, Gretchen graduated from Chamberlain University with her MSN, FNP in 2023.
“The family camaraderie at Neptune Township EMS is very similar to what I experienced in the Air Force. Also, the idea that I have served my country for 22 years, and now I continue to serve my community on a different level,” said Peters. While her military service enabled her to fund her education, Peters credits Neptune Township EMS for helping her land her dream occupation. “Neptune Township EMS is the reason I am the nurse that I am today. They have allowed me to learn, grow and succeed,” said Peters.
With 10 years of service to the Township as an EMT, Peters encourages other locals to consider volunteering, telling TAPinto, “Volunteering allows you the opportunity to not just give back to your community but allows you to learn a lot about medicine, different ethnicities, and may teach you a thing or two about yourself. If a person was thinking of volunteering with EMS I would say do it. In fact, I welcome them to come and ride along with me. Neptune EMS is a family, and we are always looking to grow further as a family. ”
Volunteer with Neptune Township EMS!
There are plenty of opportunities available for those who want to get involved. The following roles are available to seasonal and year-round residents:
To learn more or submit a volunteer inquiry form, visit www.JoinNeptuneEMS.org.
TAPinto Neptune/Neptune City is your hyperlocal news source serving Neptune Township, Neptune City and Ocean Grove