I joined the Army in March 2012 to build a better life for myself and my kids.

I completed basic training at Fort Jackson in Columbia, S.C., and did my logistics advanced individual training at Fort Lee in Virginia. I severed at Fort Belvoir in Alexandria, Virginia, where I was promoted to sergeant and was the non-commissioned office in charge of the company’s supply office. While at Fort Belvoir, I was awarded soldier of the month, soldier of the quarter, and Military District of Washington soldier of the year honors, and I received the presidential coin from President Obama on Aug. 4, 2016. I was also invited to President Trump’s Inaugural Ball in 2016.

After serving three years in the D.C. area, I moved to Fort Stewart in Hinesville, Ga. Within a couple of years, I injured myself and was medically discharged out of the Army. Although my time was cut short, I wouldn’t change the experience for the world.

The Army taught me to be very disciplined and patient. Today I am a member service representative at GeoVista Credit Union. I know how to work under stress, especially when the credit union is busy. And I’m able to relate to servicemen and servicewomen who come into the credit union.

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