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I’m a proud American soldier but also a proud Colombian. America is a land of opportunity for those who seek it, and because of this, my family was able to migrate here and work hard for a better life. So in return, it was in my heart to give back to this country in the best way possible, by serving in the U.S. military. I love my Colombian roots, and I’m forever grateful of the opportunities America has given us. That is why I’m proud to be an American soldier and a Colombian.

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My daughter, Gaby, is serving in the U.S. Army as First Lieutenant. She came to this country when she was seven years old; despite the language and cultural barriers, she was able to excel in her academics and became a West Point cadet. She is proud of serving this beautiful country that gave her and her family vast opportunities.  I am proud to be called “Military Mom.”

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Michael Mannino, United States Air Force,15 Years of Service

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Michael Mannino, United States Air Force,15 Years of Service

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My Uncle served in the USAF for 15 years. He joined the Air Force in 1995 and first started working on ejection seats in airplanes. In 1998 he was diagnosed with a brain tumor that lead him to not being able to work on the airplanes anymore. At that time the tumor was removed and he spent the remainder of his years as an Education and Training Manger. He retired from the Air Force as an E6 Technical Sergeant. I am proud to call him my Uncle and the man who gave me my name. I am even prouder than my cousin, his son, Vincent has followed in his footsteps of joining the US Military as a Soldier in the US Army.

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My Father served on the USS Yorktown in the South Pacific during World War II.

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Stanley R. Sherman, Navy, 4 Years of Service

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Stanley R. Sherman, Navy, 4 Years of Service

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My father, Stanley R. Sherman, dropped out of high school to enlist in the Navy, which was not uncommon at that time (around World War II). He proudly served four years, from 1944-1948. He earned the American Theatre Medal and the Victory Medal. Although right after his military service, he went back and got his high school equivalency, and always was proud of his service, it bothered him that he never had the opportunity to go on and earn his college degree. So, around the time I was in middle school, he enrolled in a night school program at Brooklyn College for returning adults. He spent several years earning his undergraduate degree in accounting. I remember that after working all day at his job in New York City, he would commute home and either attend classes, or spend his evening hours reading, doing assignments, or writing papers at the kitchen table. He was as proud of that degree as his years of service in the navy, hence the picture I have provided of the flag that draped his coffin (he had a military honor guard at his funeral provided by the navy) and his college diploma together.

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I am so proud of my husband for serving in the Navy during the first Gulf War. Mark was stationed in Japan and served on four different ships in his 5 years of service working in ship's communications. He traveled the world and says it was an amazing experience. After serving, he held several jobs in construction and was a professional scuba diver on the oil rigs outside Louisiana. He attended college assisted by funds from the GI Bill, and earned a degree in Architecture from NJIT. He is a project manager for a construction company, and still stays in touch with some of his Navy buddies. Mark being a Navy Veteran is an important part of our lives and we appreciate all those who serve

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I joined the military when I was 19 years old and just out of high school. I started studying business and realized it wasn’t for me. I was always fascinated by the military and saw it as something different. I thought it could offer me a real opportunity to do something good in the world and express my patriotism. I was the first in my family to join the military, and 24 years in the Army National Guard later, I’m so glad I did. I dedicated 24 years to the NJ Army National Guard – including tours of duty with the war on terrorism, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, multiple State Active Duties and Hurricane Maria relief/rebuilding in Puerto Rico – all while taking care of my family of six at that time. I am a devoted mother and, always on the run to support my children’s activities. I am a school nurse and recently started my Masters in Education. I am dedicated to spreading education to the civilian world on the severe effects of PTSD. I am always a phone call away for any veteran in distress, especially female veterans. I think women are scrutinized more closely and can be considered less capable or not tough enough. I have always felt I had to push myself even harder as a woman so no one can look down on me. But over my 24-year career, I’ve seen positive changes in opportunities for women. We used to be excluded from certain jobs and training that we weren’t considered capable of handling. No longer are you told you can’t do something because you’re female. When I was deployed in Iraq, I had to go through the exact same training as my male counterparts. I still encourage my children to consider the military. There are things you learn in the military that you just can’t learn anywhere else. I feel like I’ve made a difference. It’s a selfless thing. You sacrifice a lot, but it is well worth it. I’m proud of what I’ve done. This has been one of the most rewarding careers. I love the military, and joining was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I am proud to be serving our country and to be a combat veteran.