My initial motivation and decision to serve in the military was to create a better life for myself. I had big dreams as a young girl in Mississippi. I saw the military as a way to accomplish those dreams. So, I proudly served for 26 years in the United States Army. The most important lessons I learned were those of core values, strong bonds and protecting freedom. These three elements are an integral part of an institution that spoke to the person I became. The Army influenced the center of my being and it affected everyone and everything around me. As a soldier, I learned the army values in detail during basic combat training and lived them everyday, whether I was on duty or off. I learned what loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service,
