Chief nurse exemplifies Integrity First Published June 25, 2008 ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- Col. Irene Larson, 48th Medical Group chief nurse, was nominated for the Liberty spotlight by her chain of command because he epitomizes the Air Force core value of "Integrity First." Commander: Col. Kenneth McDonnell Time in Service: 29 years Time at Lakenheath: Three years Hometown: Bucksnort, Tenn. Hobbies: avid painter Core Value Portrayed: Integrity First Why is serving in the Air Force important to you? Col Larson will be retiring 11 July. She will miss serving and serving alongside people that share her core values. She has enjoyed working with professionals that adhere to such high ideals. What accomplishment during your Air Force career are you most proud of? Her last job, Chief Nurse, was the culmination of all that she had worked toward as a nurse and an Air Force Officer. At RAF Lakenheath, she was able to improve staffing and mission readiness. She sought out opportunities to mentor her junior nurses. What are your personal and career goals? After retirement, she will dedicate her life to following her husband, Steve Larson, for the remainder of his career. Mr. Larson is a DoDDs teacher. She will also enjoy spending more time with her daughters, Sonja and Erika. Also, she plans to continue painting landscapes and cottages every spare minute she gets.