Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Amber Birkle, U.S. Army Nurse Corps, recently graduated with Superior Graduate honors from the prestigious United States Army War College, School of Strategic Landpower, at Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania. Recognized among the top 30% of her class, Birkle earned a Master of Strategic Studies degree as part of the Army’s senior service college program, which educates and develops leaders to serve at the strategic level of national security.

The U.S. Army War College, founded in 1901, prepares military, civilian, and international leaders for senior leadership responsibilities. Its mission is to develop skilled strategic thinkers and advisors capable of addressing complex challenges across the global security environment. Graduates emerge with enhanced abilities to lead at the strategic level and influence the development and implementation of national security policy and military strategy.

Birkle’s graduation marks another milestone in an already distinguished military and academic career. She holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland. Her academic credentials also include a Master of Science in Nursing Leadership and Health Systems Management from Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Viterbo University in La Crosse; and a Diploma in Mountain Medicine.

Board certified as both a Family Nurse Practitioner and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, Birkle is also a Certified Emergency Nurse. Her clinical and leadership expertise has contributed significantly to Army Medicine’s operational readiness and patient care.

Most recently, Birkle served as the Battalion Commander of the 586th Field Hospital at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, where she led soldiers and medical professionals in providing deployable, high-quality health care in support of global operations. She now transitions to her new role as Director of the Inpatient Service Line at Madigan Army Medical Center, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. In 2026, she is slated to take command of the 29th Hospital Center, also at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

Birkle’s continued service and academic achievements exemplify the Army’s commitment to developing leaders of character who are prepared to lead in complex and dynamic environments. Her accomplishments are grounded in the enduring support of her husband, Jason, and their three sons, who handle each new assignment with unwavering dedication and a shared commitment to service. Birkle is the daughter of Mike and Julie Juris of Amherst.

Left to right: Spencer, Amber, Tyler, Elliot, and Jason Birkle.