Vernola Schlegel

Obituary For Vernola Schlegel

Obituary for Vernola Ann Schlegel

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Vernola Ann Schlegel, on May
21, 2025, at her home in Arlington, Virginia. She was born on November 20, 1957, in
Memphis, Tennessee, to J.B. and Regina Shy.
Vernola was a dedicated nurse attorney, distinguished educator, and decorated veteran. She
leaves behind a legacy marked by relentless dedication to justice, education, and public
service. Born with a God-given passion for learning, teaching, and advocacy, Vernola’s
career was multifaceted and impactful.
Her distinguished military legal career encompassed roles such as Brigade Judge Advocate,
Assistant General Counsel and Assistant Professor of Military Emergency Medicine at the
Uniformed Services University for the Health Sciences (USUHS) in Bethesda, Maryland.
Vernola’s expertise also shone as Deputy Chief of Air Force Claims and Director of
Medical Law at Wilford Hall Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, where she championed
legal integrity and medical ethics.
Vernola enlisted in the U.S. Air Force after graduating from high school in 1975 and served
her country in uniform in three different career fields for over 22 years. First, as an enlisted disbursement accountant. Her talent was quickly recognized, as she was promoted “below-the-zone” ahead of her peers. Vernola used her military education benefits and enrolled in nursing school, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree as a Registered Nurse at
the University of Texas in 1982, and an appointment as an Air Force officer and staff nurse.
Vernola continued her postgraduate education and earned a Master’s degree in Health Care
Administration from Chapman University in 1990. After serving in four Air Force nursing
assignments, Vernola decided to pursue her goal of becoming a lawyer. She received a full
merit scholarship to Howard University Law School, earned her Juris Doctor degree in
1995, and appointment as an Air Force Staff Judge Advocate after passing the Georgia state
bar exam on her first attempt. Vernola embodied integrity, mentorship, and boundless
compassion, and her contributions spanned continents, including service in the Philippines.
Korea, and Greece. She honorably retired from the Air Force in the rank of Lieutenant
Colonel and earned numerous awards and decorations for her distinguished military service, including the Defense Meritorious Service Medal.
After her military retirement, Vernola served as an Instructor at Northern Virginia Community College from 2010, where she developed a Legal Nurse Consulting Course, a First ever in the State of Virginia, designed to teach Registered Nurses to use their clinical expertise to interpret, research, and analyze medical-legal issues in lawsuits and claims, and work in law offices, hospitals, HMOs, and insurance companies, or as patient advocates.
She also worked as a Substitute Teacher in Arlington County Public Schools, where she inspired young students with her breadth of knowledge and life experience. She is survived by her big brother, 1SG (retired) J.B. Shye, U.S. Army; her sister Pamela Oliver, nieces and nephews Felton, Curtis Jr., Elesheba, Tasha, April, Patience, and Angela;
and Godchildren Tamara and Kevin Masciola. Siblings Curtis Shy, Shirlene Anthony, and Debra Phillips, Willie Shy, and Bobby Shy predeceased her. Vernola will be deeply missed by her family, friends, colleagues, and the countless individuals whose lives she touched. Her legacy of justice, education, and service will continue to inspire future generations.
Vernola A. Schlegel will be laid to rest on Friday, July 11, 2025, at 10 am CST, at the West Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, 4000 Forest Hill-Irene Road, Memphis, TN 38125.
In place of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Feed the Children and St.
Jude Children’s Hospital.

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