Military helps worn-out nurses, sicker patients in California COVID-19 effort

U.S. Air Force Major Pinky Brewton discusses hospital procedures with Air Force Colonel Justin Nast, the commander of COVID Theater Hospital, at Dameron Hospital in Stockton, California, U.S. July 22, 2020. Picture taken July 22, 2020. Army National Guard/Staff Sgt. Ryan Sheldon/Handout via REUTERS. THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Reuters) - All day long, as Air Force nurse Major Pinky Brewton cares for patients struggling to breathe in California's COVID-19 ravaged San Joaquin Valley, fears for her family simmer underneath her cool exterior.

Once back in her Stockton hotel room, seeing her seven-year-old on Facetime, the relief is overwhelming.