WE ARE ROUGHLY 2 MILLION STRONG. WE ARE MOTHERS, SISTERS, FRIENDS, PARTNERS, AND WIVES. WE ARE ADVOCATES, BOSSES, STUDENTS, AND SURVIVORS. WE ARE ALL ERAS AND BRANCHES OF SERVICE. WE ARE WOMEN. WE ARE VETERANS.
There are roughly two million women veterans, making up ten percent of the veteran population and growing. Yet they continue to face barriers and challenges in accessing health care and other services while experiencing a lack of recognition. The I Am Not Invisible (IANI) project, developed in Oregon, aims to increase awareness and dialogue about women veterans, and open viewers’ eyes to the myriad contributions, needs, and experiences of women who have served in the military. In support of Women’s History Month 2019, this IANA exhibit celebrates and honors women veterans who are still serving.
Meet the Veterans
Marion E. Senteno (Carlson)
United States Women’s Army Corps
June 1944 I was 20. One of my sisters was a Navy nurse in the Pacific Theatre, and another was a WAVE in Washington, DC. With my parent’s consent, I enlisted in the Women’s Army Corp at Ft. Snelling, MN.
Basic Training was at Ft. Des Moines, Iowa where guard duty for women was done with a whistle and a flashlight. My first assignment in Atlantic City, N.J., was to return wounded troops to recovery hospitals near their hometowns. My desk was in an auditorium where the first Miss America was held. It was now filled with guns, planes, and other military supplies. We were housed in empty hotels where only the men could use the main elevators. WACs had to use the freight elevators!
In 1946 I went to Indiantown Gap Military Reservation, PA where I was secretary to the commanding general. I played on the WAC basketball team where they called me “Stonewall” because if anyone hit me they’d fall down. We won the regional championship!
I was then sent to Ft. Meade, MD before going to Europe on the USAT Bridgeport. The trip took ten days and I published a daily paper on the ship. I arrived in Bremerhaven Germany to open-air barracks where even the ten blankets issued didn’t keep out the cold. In Heidelberg, I was Acting First Sergeant of a 75-woman WAC detachment. We lived in an old SS Kaserne (barracks) with no hot water. There I wrote and published recruiting pamphlets for men to re-up.
I applied to OCS in Seckenheim and was in the first class of women officers in Europe. After being commissioned as a 2nd Lt. 3rd Army, I traveled to Vienna. I was the only officer allowed on the WAC softball team and in 1947 we won the European Championship!
That year I conducted cemetery dedications and had the privilege of attending dinner and cocktail parties with Italian royalty. When senators and representatives from the US would come, we were assigned to stop questions and conversations that were deemed inappropriate for the post-war climate.
I returned to the US in 1948, serving in the reserves as 1st LT, and attended Sergeants College of PE in Boston on the GI Bill. In 1949 I transferred to Millsaps College in Jackson, MS. where I received my BS in Psychology. I was recalled to active duty and was assigned to recruiting in Atlanta GA, and in Miami FL, I had a ½ hour radio show playing music and recruiting.
At Florida Military Headquarters in Jacksonville, I was a personal affairs officer. Later, in Atlanta, I became the Company Commander of WAC 3rd Army Headquarters. Before leaving the service in 1957 to start a family, I was detailed to the Army Chemical Center in MD and promoted to Captain 3rd Army Chief of Industrial Security.
Virginia Alice Rose
United States WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service)
I was born and raised in Toledo, Ohio, but I dreamed of traveling and seeing the world. And, in each generation, my family has served in the Armed Forces. A friend and I planned to enlist together while returning from a trip to NY, the Korean Conflict broke out and my friend enlisted without me. In 1952, I enlisted in the WAVES. It was really my only choice since I wore navy blue all the time.
I went to boot camp in Bainbridge, Maryland, where I met my husband, Bill, in the chow line on Veterans’ Day while attending Telemann’s school. We double-dated – each with someone else—later switching partners and ultimately, both couples married.
My first duty station was at the Headquarters of the 9th Naval District, Great Lakes, Il. My captain had been a WWII prisoner of war and I was proud to have served in his command. Women at that time were not allowed on ships or in combat, so my duties included arranging background investigations. I was also a member of the WAVE drill team, performing at the Michigan State Fair and other events. My heart still skips a beat when I hear a good Sousa march! My children and grandchildren have marched across many a living room.
A large family was what I had always wanted, and the Navy gave me one with many friendships. I am still in contact with a WAVE that I served with.
At the time I served, women could not transfer duty stations to be with military husbands. Therefore, I wasn’t able to retire on my own enlistment, though it seemed as if I retired with my husband in 1974. Raising children in foreign countries in those days was, at times, a challenge. How do you buy pants and shirts long enough to clothe a 6’4’ teen while living in northern Japan? Montgomery Wards and Sears to the rescue! They were the original Amazon!
Our experience was much different than military families today since we didn’t have the internet or the ability to pick up a phone other than MARS (Military Auxiliary Radio System) to call the states. This experience brought us even closer as a family and we learned to appreciate the things we did have, the opportunities we were given, and the perspective we gained interacting with different people and cultures. Although not active duty, my children and I were good representatives of America while supporting my husband during his time in service. We participated in various outreach opportunities – including scouting programs with international troops, choirs who shared music with local schools, old folks’ centers, and sporting events with local schools. My son eventually also enlisted in the Navy and served in Desert Shield / Desert Storm before he retired.
I knew nothing of the “I’m not invisible program” when I arrived at the photo shoot. Listening to stories the others told of their service to their country made me proud to be considered part of this program.
Margaret Denise Zanecchia
United States Army
In 1972, I was recruited into the Army Nurse Corps, receiving a Direct Commission as a Major; assigned to the 349th General Hospital in Los Angeles. Their mission, to staff a “storefront” evening clinic for homeless people and veterans. I was to teach this unit’s physicians, nurses, and enlisted medical personnel to relate to these clients.
In Bakersfield, I started the 349th Unit Satellite evening clinic; recruiting two LVNs. In 1974, an active duty recruiter encouraged me to accept an assignment at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in D.C. I was Head Nurse on a Model Research Ward; utilizing unit dose, unit pharmacy, team rounding, and computer charting. Many patients were casualties from Vietnam.
Following this, I re-entered the Army Reserves, assigned to the 94th ARCOM near Boston. As Supervising Nurse at the 819th Station Hospital, I was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel. While Chief Nurse of the 340th General Hospital in New Haven I was promoted to Colonel in 1981.
In Texas, I served as Nurse Researcher with the 94th General Hospital, headquartered with the 807th Medical Brigade. Our unit was activated and deployed in December 1990, to Saudi Arabia for the first Iraq War, Desert Storm. Later, I was assigned to the 5th General Hospital in Stuttgart Germany, an Evacuation Hospital.
I retired, serving twenty-three years. My military nursing experience has been very positive. I funded my Doctoral Program on the G.I. Bill and purchased two houses as a single woman. Currently, I am a member of the 807th Medical Brigade Alumni and of Roll-Call, a non-profit that provides a monthly free lunch for 250+ veterans. In addition, I am a past member of the American Legion. Riding on the Roll-Call float in the Fort Worth Veterans’ Day Parade, I waved our flag, proud to be an American and a woman veteran!
Christina S. Schroer
United States Air Force
I’m a Zanesville, Ohio, native who joined the United States Air Force soon after graduating from high school in 1972. I served my country for almost 25 years in a variety of material management, logistics, and program management positions — in the continental United States and overseas in Alaska, Iceland, England, Saudi Arabia, twice in Turkey, and the Philippines. I earned several major military awards during my service, including Meritorious Service Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, and Southwest Asia Service Medal. One of my greatest military honors was being the first Air Force woman selected to attend the United States Coast Guard Chief Petty Officers Academy. Only a few senior NCOs are selected to attend our sister service academies.
After retiring from the Air Force as a Senior Master Sargent in 1997, I completed my Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees. Continuing to utilize my Air Force skills, I am a Dell Technologies Federal Sales Contracts Program Manager. I also co-lead Dell’s Veterans and Supporters Employees Resource Group. One of the main focuses is to hire and retain veterans and spouses.
Since 2004 I have been an Employer Support for the Guard and the Reserves Ombudsman. ESGR, a Department of Defense program, was established in 1972 to promote cooperation and understanding between Reserve Component Service members and their civilian employers and to assist in the resolution of conflicts arising from an employee’s military commitment. I am also a Women in Military Service for America Memorial field registrar.
I utilize the VA Women’s Clinic for my annual physicals. The lab, pharmacy, and clinical staff are always helpful while addressing the patient’s overall well-being.
Vivian Harris
United States Air Force
I was the first female member of my family to join the armed forces. My parents had to sign for me to accept my commission because of my age. They both were so very proud. My father instilled a sense of duty and honor, my mother instilled confidence that I was to be a wave of the future for successful women! My church, community, family, and friends were happy for me and looked to me as being an example and mentor for other women to follow.
I served in the United States Air Force as a nurse for 12 years, reaching the rank of Major. I loved and learned every moment of my military service. It was the foundation of my 30-year nursing career. I continued working with families, infants and children, and older adults until my retirement. My military experiences were exceptional! Not only as an Obstetrical Nurse, I worked in Newborn Nurseries, Neonatal ICU, General Medical Surgical, Psychiatry, and Aeromedical Evacuation as a Flight Nurse and instructor. In addition, I met my fabulous husband of 32, years during my active service.
Being young and fearless in the military was a staple. As we were ending the war, we all knew we had a job to continue and fulfill. No matter what the assignment was, I was never hesitant to go. I have many stories to tell just like my women veteran comrades. Today, I still have lifelong friends that cannot be replaced. We established a bond that has not been broken. I will never ever forget these women who helped keep me grounded in life. I am very grateful and proud to have served my country. Grateful to have been a leader. I do know that with everything I have seen, both the incredible and some tragic, the service afforded me opportunities I would have never experienced. Truly it was by the Grace of God that I was able to serve successfully in my military career. I highly recommend it and remain very proud of those women who followed! Look at us: “We are Not Invisible”!
Lee Anna D. Davis
United States Army
I joined the Army in 1993. My first duty assignment was to Ft Hood, Texas where I served as a Food Service Specialist for the 3-6th Calvary Brigade. After their deactivation, I was assigned to the 4-6th Cavalry. In 1996 I was assigned to the 2nd Brigade in 2ID, Camp Casey Korea, where I served as a Night Baker. My professionalism and expertise in my craft earned me a position in the 158th Aviation regiment at Ft Carson, Colorado where I was the Shift Leader of the Night Bakers. In 1998 I wanted to serve in a different capacity, so I changed my MOS to an Administration Specialist. My next assignments included the 32nd Transportation Company, Ft Carson Colorado. I truly loved my new job; I excelled and began to learn more about the Army life. I was soon promoted to Senior Personnel Service Sergeant while in the 2-101st Aviation, Regiment at Ft Campbell, Kentucky. I was next assigned to the USA Research and Material Command at Ft Detrick, Maryland where I served as the Personnel NCOIC. In 2004 I was selected to serve as the 18th MEDCOM Assistant Inspector General in Yongsan, Korea. In 2006 I was selected to attend Warrant Officer School. My assignments as a Warrant Officer included the 75th Field Artillery Brigade, Fort Sill, Oklahoma where I was the first AG warrant officer assigned to a Fires brigade. I was next assigned to the 130th Engineer Brigade at Schofield Barracks Hawaii and deployed to Mosul Iraq in 2009. After my deployment, I was assigned to the 516th Signal Brigade in Ft Shafter, Hawaii. My final assignment was as the Warrant Officer Strength Manager for Headquarters, Headquarters Battalion USARPAC located on Ft Shafter, Hawaii.
After 22 years of service, I retired from the Army, and I am still serving my community proudly as the Adjutant for the Veterans of Foreign Wars post 9191 located in Killeen, TX.
Sandra Todd
United States Army
I served in the United States Army from 1987 to 2009 as a Human Resources Specialist (42A). My first duty station was Fort Meade, Maryland. I was assigned to the 519th Military Police Battalion which deployed in support of “Operation Just Cause” (Invasion of Panama) in 1989. I retired with 21 years of service.
Interestingly enough, as the first person (and female) to join the United States Army in my family, it was difficult for my family to understand why I wanted to do such a thing. But I loved it, overcoming my challenges and fears. Fast forward 21 years later, I realize the military has shaped me to be who I am today—transitioning and integrating into the civilian life is never easy. I have learned that my thought process and perspective on life may be a little different and makes it a little difficult to fit in. I love life and appreciate my family dearly.
During my service, I have made life-long friends. I have learned to grow as a professional, a woman, a mother, and a wife. I consider my military career a blessing and an experience that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I am proud of who I am today, where I came from, and if I had the opportunity to do it again, I would not change a thing. Redefining yourself is very much like life-long learning, it never stops. Army Strong!
Mollie Mae Potter
United States Air Force
Being a woman in the world’s greatest Air Force was not only an honor but a badge of pride. When I entered the Air Force I never really thought of it as “I am a woman joining the military.” Rather, I viewed it as a sense of duty and something that was not only going to fill my desire to serve my country but also was going to satisfy my drive for adventure and hard work. I commissioned into the Air Force through Officer Training School in 2007 and became a flight test engineer. I was one of the only women in my military career field of flying in the back of fighter aircraft testing new flight systems and munitions. I loved being a military test engineer, flying in fighter aircraft, wearing the uniform, and serving my country. Every day I woke up and felt proud of what I was doing with my life and representing women in a very challenging and demanding career field that required a high level of technical comprehension to be successful. I quickly realized that being a woman in a very demanding career field with very few other women required a great level of precision, discipline, and excellence. If I messed up, people noticed. The male-dominated environment was often crude and required thick skin to not be the target of ridicule.
At the end of the day, the women that join the military and subsequently become veterans are usually type-A “go-get-’em” personalities that serve their country honorably and work hard to be self-sufficient, high-performing professionals. However, the military didn’t teach us how to seek help or support. Instead the military breeds an environment of personalities that build protective walls that are focused on accomplishing a mission without complaining and without a perception of failing. This is what plants the seeds for epidemics of homelessness and mental health issues that veterans can face long after they hang up the uniform.
Tina Lee
United States Air Force
Born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, I graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio with a degree in Health and received a commission into the Air Force. I started off as an Air Battle Manager trainee and eventually transferred to become an Executive Officer for AFNORTH/A6 during my military service. As an Air Force Veteran, I support those who continue to serve in the military today and those who are now veterans. I moved to Austin in 2012 to work for the City of Austin Veterans Program through the Americorps Vista Program through CADCA and was hired on as the Veterans Program Coordinator for the City of Austin in 2013. In my role with the City of Austin, I assist Veterans throughout the community and those who are employed by the City of Austin. I serve the Austin community both internally by providing resources and assistance to those who are employed at the City and as the staff liaison to the executive staff, mayor, and council as well as the Commission on Veteran Affairs. I also collaborate with state, county, federal and nonprofit partners to help create programs to support and serve those who answered our Nation’s call.
I’m an active board member for a nonprofit Honor Flight Austin as the Director of Administration / Secretary to assist and send our most senior veterans to our Nation’s Capital to see the memorials built in their honor.
I’m currently working on a master’s degree in Public Administration at Texas State University and I enjoy serving others.
Belinda “Bel” Small
United States Army
I enlisted in the Army in 1991 as a Supply Specialist and served until the Army’s birthday, June 14th, 2013, retiring as a Sergeant First Class. My duty assignments included Fort Riley, Kansas; Schofield Barracks, HI; Fort Leonard Wood, MO (twice), Kitzingen, Germany; Fort McPherson, GA; and Fort Gordon, GA. I deployed on several occasions to numerous locations, but by far the most challenging year of my service was 2006 while serving with the 463rd Military Police in Camps Liberty and Taji, Iraq.
My family has a long history of serving our country and it came as a natural decision to me once I saw how difficult college was (I had no study skills!). I was never stationed anywhere that I didn’t ask to go and always enjoyed the adventure of traveling to new places. My favorite assignment was with the Inspectors General in Ft McPherson, GA with the USARCENT. I was able to fine-tune what I already enjoyed in following the regulations to a “T” and enforcing units to do the same. Conducting inspections to help subordinate units was always encouraging and obtaining training like Six Sigma became second-hand desires for me. I was at the top of my game . . . until I came down sick while deployed in Kuwait and within two years was reassigned to the Wounded Warrior Battalion, where I was medically chaptered in conjunction with my retirement.
I now continue serving by assisting my fellow brothers and sisters via numerous organizations, but mainly with the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Women Veterans of America – Denton, Disabled American Veterans, Military Veteran Peer Network, and finally, the Patriot Anglers – by way of my new-found love of fly fishing!
Crystal Cole
United States Marine Corps
At the age of 19, I was a high school dropout with a GED—earned at age 16—and two semesters of college. I was working full-time but felt that my life was going in the wrong direction. The Marine Corps was the only military branch that would accept a GED if you had at least 12 hours of college credit. When I told my mom that I was considering the Marines, she said: “You wouldn’t even make it through boot camp.” Within 2 weeks I was standing on the famous yellow footprints at Parris Island, SC beginning my journey to earn the title Marine.
On June 5, 1998, I graduated Marine Corps boot camp and went to Camp Geiger, NC for Marine Corps Combat Training as a Field Radio Operator. I received orders to Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, 7th Communications Battalion, 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force. It was in Okinawa that I learned what Marine comradery means because most of the Marines were on unaccompanied tours. We became each other’s family and those I served with earned the title of brother and sister. To this day those bonds and friendships remain strong.
I was next stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA to the 1st Medical Battalion, 1st Force Service Support Group. It was unique in that only 15% of those assigned to this unit were Marines. Our mission was to provide support for Navy medical missions. While at Camp Pendleton I married a Marine and we had a daughter in May of 2000. When 9/11 happened, we were a dual active-duty family. Having less than 7 months left on my enlistment contract, we made the decision that I would not re-enlist. In March 2002 I began my life as a Marine Corps spouse.
Since leaving the Marine Corps, I have used the VA GI Bill, VA Vocational Rehabilitation Program, and Texas Hazlewood Act to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master’s in Nursing Administration. None of this would have been possible if I had not chosen to serve my country. I am proud to be the product of the educational benefits that Veterans have available to them.
My proudest accomplishment in my life is the title I earned, U.S. Marine. My career path allows me to serve those that have served. I now serve the female Veteran population as the Women Veteran Program Manager at my local VA Healthcare System.
Catherine Thomas
United States Air Force
I enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1993 and attended Basic training and the Law Enforcement Academy at Lackland AFB, Texas. My numerous assignments ranged from K9 Law enforcement patrolman to Kennel master and Installation Security Manager. During my time as a canine handler, I provided security for Several Presidents, Secretaries of State, G8 summits, and assignments including Iraq, Qatar, Australia, South America, and Africa.
As an advocate for veterans, I currently serve as a Veterans Service Officer and Veterans court administrator for the Smith County Veterans Services Office.
I’m currently working on a BS degree in Psychology and very active in my community, volunteering with several non-profit organizations that serve veterans.
Louise A. Maynor
United States Army
I joined the military when I was 19, out of Greater Seattle, WA. I had a highly unique career, woven into the first RSTA (Reconnaissance, Surveillance, Target Acquisition) Battalion, serving as 1 of 13 females in the threads of a guidon that both scouts AND infantry and myself (and my troop) stood proudly.
My Sergeant Major fought ranks for me to be afforded the many schools I attended and was prepared for multiple deployments: I was the first female in the Brigade to graduate from Air Assault School, one of four females in the Division to be Level III Combatives certified (the only in my squadron) and went on to instruct our Squadron with other qualified Soldiers. I was the female dismount in the sergeant major’s convoy in Iraq when I wasn’t on OP duty. I was an MK19 gunner for both my CDR and 1SG for my Afghanistan deployment, would occasionally ride along with the EOD team for biometric engineering on site, and with them find myself in local jails for interrogations to further gain evidence/info for the black and white lists for 2 provinces in Afghanistan which would be added to other biometric bases that covered theater.
After marrying a fellow Soldier, I got out because one day I wanted to have children who I could be with, without worrying about being away training or overseas. I entered college and graduated with the Best in Show Portfolio in Digital Photography, nationwide, with the Art Institute, and then took a scholarship they offered me for a program in Digital Design.
Today, not only am I a mother to three, and wife to a Soldier, but I am a photographer and editorial designer, and illustrator, all thanks to my success in the military.
Danna E. Trevino-Arteaga
United States Navy
I started out DEP–Delayed Entry Program in 1983 and then went active duty from November 1984 until Dec 25, 1992. I joined because I came from a family of 13 and my parents being Hispanic were not familiar with college and since my older brothers were active duty Marines and one Navy I wanted to follow in their footsteps and be the only female in my immediate family that enlisted.
I choose the Navy because of my big brother Dan—he was smart—so, I figured if I could get in then I would be set. And I did not want to be the stereotypical female living in a small town barefoot and pregnant. So off I went. My parents were proud that I had decided to go into the Navy and supported me 100%.
My experience in the Navy was amazing! As a Radioman, we were the first to know about everything and anything that was going to happen. I had such amazing leaders at my first duty station in Guantanamo Bay Cuba. I can say that the officers I worked for and the enlisted Senior Chiefs and Master Chiefs were like fathers to me. If it had not been for them I probably would have gotten out after my first enlistment, but I stayed in and enjoyed the rest of my enlistment and adventure. I now have 3 beautiful daughters 2 of which were born while I was on active duty. My third child we adopted when she was 1 year old.
Laura B. Vela
United States Army
I began my military career in the US Army on July 2006 and separated in February 2010. I was assigned as a 68 Kilo (Medical Laboratory Technician).
During my time in service, I received several awards, including the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. I was stationed at Fort Jackson, SC, Fort Sam Houston, TX, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington D.C., and Fort Stewart, GA.
After the military, I started a career at the VA’s Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System in Harlingen, TX as a secretary for the Associate Chief of Staff for Primary Care. Later, I worked for the Finance Department as an Accountant Technician and was promoted to the position of MCA DSS Program Analyst in April 2018 within the Finance Department.
I have received several recognition awards from the VA throughout the years:
- Recognition for contributions and commitment to excellence in the performance of her duties to support The Therapeutic Support Employment Services Program at Texas Valley Coastal Bend Healthcare System
- Recognition in her exhibition of the Core Values of Integrity, acting with high moral principles, adhering to the highest professional standards, and maintaining the trust and confidence in the VA.
- Recognition for her completion of a yearlong Career Development Program at Texas Valley Coastal Bend.
Laura Vela enjoys working and volunteering for local community events.
Cristie Remmel Campo
United States Navy
I served on active duty from 1987-1991 as a US Navy FMF Corpsman stationed with the Marines Mag 39 in Camp Pendleton, CA. I was deployed to the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. Growing up I wanted to do something to serve my country, a country that gives so much to those who chose to reach for the stars. I chose to join the Navy and become a medic because I wanted to save lives. I also knew that through military service I could receive help in paying for my college degree of which I have a BFA in Graphic Design and an MFA in Fine Art.
My family didn’t understand why I wanted to join the Navy—they believed that was something men did. This single decision shaped and defined my life. It was the single most important decision of my life and one that I’m very proud of. As a Corpsman “Doc” I know that my service made a difference in someone’s life before, during, and after my military service. It is an experience that I will never forget.
I became involved in the veteran community a few years after getting divorced. It gave me a sense of purpose and a renewed determination to serve others. I am a member of the first all-female Color Guard in Texas through the Women Veterans of America, Chapter 48, and I am also part of several other veteran leagues. I speak publicly on veteran topics like patriotism, service, and the Constitution at various elementary schools in the area. Serving the community is serving my country which I will do until the day I die.
- Recognition for her completion of a yearlong Career Development Program at Texas Valley Coastal Bend.
Laura Vela enjoys working and volunteering for local community events.
Frankie A. Nicko
United States Army
I joined the military in 1990 and trained at Fort Jackson, SC as a Light Wheel Vehicle Mechanic. My first duty station was Bitburg, Germany with 5/7 Air Defense Artillery Patriot Unit. I deployed to Saudi Arabia for five months. In 1993 I was assigned to H159th Aviation at Fort Campbell, KY, and in 1998, I got orders to Daegu, Korea. While there, I earned Sergeant rank and served as a shop foreman with the 19th TAACOM Headquarters. I returned to Fort Campbell, KY in 1999 and served as a shop foreman for HHC 2-502nd Strike Brigade.
Upon reenlistment, I became an Information Systems Analyst. I served at Fort Meade, MD serving with HHC 704th Military Intelligence Brigade and was promoted to Staff Sergeant. I volunteered as a WIAS soldier, deploying to Kuwait in 2002 where I worked in the COMSEC office. During my six-month deployment, the war started, and my deployment was extended.
Returning to the U.S., I became an AIT instructor for Signal Soldiers at Fort Gordon, GA. I was chosen for Officer Candidate School as a Signal Officer 25A and served as a 2nd Lieutenant in Mannheim, Germany with the 7th Signal Brigade as the 1st Platoon, Platoon Leader. My platoon trained with the Georgian Army for Immediate Response 08. I moved to the 5th Brigade and worked in the S3 as a Battle Captain and in 2009 to 2010 deployed to Bagram Airforce Base, Afghanistan serving as a Battle Captain in the Joint Network Communication Center Afghanistan.
I was promoted to Captain and became the HHC USAG Company Commander at Fort Irwin, CA. I served as the S6 for 2-504th BCT and 801st BN at Fort Campbell, KY. My brigade deployed to Salerno, Afghanistan where we deactivated the Forward Operating Base. After returning to the U.S., I retired with 24 years of active service.
I finished my MIS and will complete my MBA in two months, with a concentration in Project Management. I work part-time as a QA for a start-up out of California.
Maribel Ostergaard
United States Army
One year after starting college, I decided to join the Army. It was a decision that, although shocking to my family, was the best decision I ever made. I left for basic training on October 30, 1991. My first duty station was in Yongsan, Korea. Never having been away from home before, I felt so scared and alone. It didn’t take long to realize, however, that I was not alone. There is a certain bond that is formed between Soldiers that is difficult to explain. I quickly found myself surrounded by people who became my family.
I started my career as a 71L, Administrative Specialist. After 10 years of service, I attended Officer Candidate School (OCS) and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the Signal Corps. I served with Aviation, Air Defense Artillery, Military Intelligence units, and two Joint Command Headquarters.
My experience in the military was a wonderful one. Although there were hard times, and many times I felt like packing up and going home, the best moments of my life occurred during my time in service. Most notably, I met my husband of almost 20 years while stationed at Fort Benning, GA!
During my 20 years of service, I learned so much about myself, about duty, honor, trust, and what it takes to face challenges head-on. The Army also taught me the importance of education and thanks to the tuition assistance program and the GI bill, I was able to obtain my master’s degree! I am grateful for the opportunities afforded to me during my 20 years of service and the opportunities still offered to me today as a veteran.
Stacey Almond
United States Air Force
Octavia D. Harris
Lilia Adrienne Garcia
Anna Baker
Veronica Allen
Jeanette Jimmerson
Diane Fraser
Elaine Purcell
VR Small
Chrystal O’Rourke
Romaine Barnett