4/1/23 Entry
I joined the Army in 1995, driven by an innate desire for direction and discipline. Growing up in the home of a Vietnam Marine veteran, I was profoundly shaped by my father’s resilience and unwavering sense of duty. He returned from war bearing more than one Purple Heart, and while his story was marked by silence, its power was undeniable. It influenced my path in ways that deserve a chapter of their own.
What drew me most to the Army were its core values. Among them, integrity stood out. It became a cornerstone of my character, shaping both who I was and who I aspired to be throughout my life.
After completing my initial service, I turned my focus to building a personal life and became a mother. Then, 9/11 happened. Like so many Americans, I felt an undeniable call to serve again. This led me to join the Army National Guard. At the time, I was a student at the University of Southern Mississippi and attending Officer Candidate School at Camp Shelby. When my unit was activated, I was initially tasked with establishing the rear detachment at the Southgate Armory.
Once that mission was complete, I felt a deep pull to serve more directly. I volunteered for deployment with the Mississippi 155th Brigade, 106th Support Battalion, but their slots were already filled. Undeterred, I was attached to the 150th Engineer Battalion as an administrative specialist. Over time, my responsibilities grew to include logistics office manager and a range of other tasks.
From 2004 to 2006, this chapter of my life unfolded—a period defined by challenge, growth, and an unwavering commitment to service.
To be continued…
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