U.S. Amy Sergeant (P) Michelle Maguire, Cushman & Wakefield, Chicago
In Recognition of leadership, service and valor:
Army Commendation Medal
Army Achievement Medal
Army Service Ribbon
Good Conduct Medal
PERSEVERANCE AS A FEMALE SOLDIER
I joined the U.S. Army in 1999. At the time, I was jumping from job to job and was unsure about my career path. I did know I wanted to give my young daughter a better life and contribute to society in a meaningful way. I received information from a recruiter, and about a month later I was on my way to basic training at Fort Sill in Oklahoma.
This was traditionally a Field Artillery “One Station Unit Training” and primarily all male, so I had to wait a month for more women to get there so we could begin training. I was then assigned to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where I was a human resource specialist in the United States Army Special Operations Command until 2008 when I decided to join civilian life again. There were periods of time in my service that I had to be away from my two daughters, but it was best for us in the long run.
Veterans Day signifies taking time out from our schedules to honor and recognize those who have served in our Armed Forces and additionally those who are still serving. Most veterans don’t think of themselves as heroes. It’s just part of who they are and what they have done. Once you join, your service becomes meaningful because of the bonds you create. You must trust the people you meet with your life.
