Where did you serve and what did you do?

I enlisted in the U.S. Army in August 2000 and began Basic Training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, in September 2000. I entered service as a Licensed Vocational Nurse and first trained and served as a Combat Medic, allowing my civilian medical credentials to transition into Army medical qualifications.
My first duty station was Fort Gordon, Georgia, where I served for three years in a Combat Support Hospital providing medical care to service members. I was then assigned to Fort Bliss, Texas, at William Beaumont Army Medical Center, where I held multiple medical and operational roles supporting both patient care and hospital operations.
During my career, I deployed twice to Iraq with the 31st Combat Support Hospital in support of combat operations.
Throughout my service, I held several leadership and advocacy positions. I served as an Equal Opportunity Advisor, Sexual Harassment/Assault Response Program (SHARP) representative, and Retention NCO, supporting Soldiers’ wellbeing, safety, and career development. I was also honored with a leadership award during military leadership training and was inducted into the prestigious Sergeant Audie Murphy Club.
I concluded my Army career at Fort Hood, Texas, serving at Carl R. Darnall Medical Center.

How are you Still Serving?

After serving in the U.S. Army, my commitment to service didn’t end when I transitioned out of uniform. Today, I continue serving my fellow veterans and my community through involvement, mentorship, and support programs focused on empowerment and healing.
I am an active member or participant with several veteran and women-veteran organizations including the VFW, Grace After Fire, Pink Berets, Women Veterans of San Antonio, Wounded Warrior Project, Soldier’s Angels, and the Military Veteran Peer Support Network. Through these communities, I support fellow veterans by staying connected, sharing resources, and participating in programs that promote wellness, resilience, and connection.
I am also involved in veteran entrepreneurship and career development initiatives such as the Texas Veteran Commission Entrepreneur Program, Onward to Opportunity, the Rosie Network, and Dress for Success’ veteran assistance program. These programs have allowed me to grow as a professional while encouraging and uplifting other veterans as they transition into civilian careers and business ownership.
Service to me means continuing to show up, support others, and use my experiences to help fellow veterans feel seen, empowered, and not alone. Whether through mentorship, community engagement, or professional growth, I remain committed to serving long after my time in the military.

Why do you do it?

I continue to serve because I know firsthand that the transition from military to civilian life can be challenging, and no veteran should have to navigate it alone. Supporting fellow veterans, especially women veterans, and giving back to my community is how I honor the people I served beside and the values the Army instilled in me.
Service is part of who I am. The uniform may come off, but the commitment to care for others never does. Whether I was caring for Soldiers as a medic and nurse, advocating for their wellbeing, or now supporting fellow veterans and my community, my purpose has always been the same, to help people feel supported, valued, and not alone.