Veteran’s Day
Veteran’s Day is more than just a day to honor those who served—it’s a chance to reflect on the personal journeys we’ve taken, the lessons we’ve learned, and the relationships we’ve built. For me, as a hospital corpsman in the U.S. Navy from 2018 to 2024, this day holds special meaning. It’s a time to look back at my experiences—how they’ve shaped me, the people I’ve met, and the incredible bonds formed along the way.
From California to Okinawa, Japan
At the age of 19, I found myself stationed in Okinawa, Japan—an island just 70 miles long and 7 miles wide. The concept of being so far from home at such a young age was daunting, but it was also one of the most transformative experiences of my life. Okinawa taught me to trust the people around me, slow down, and appreciate the small moments in life.
Coming from California, where everything feels fast-paced and impersonal, adjusting to life on a quiet island required a shift in mindset. But in the stillness, I found the space to reflect, to hear my own thoughts, and to grow in ways I hadn’t expected.
During my time in Okinawa, I also met someone who would change my life forever—my husband. He was in the Marine Corps, stationed on Camp Schwab and I was on Camp Foster. Our first date was one of the worst dates that I’ve ever been on, but we got to really know each other and I realized that he was my person. We eloped in Okinawa a year and a half later. The experience of building a life together in a foreign country, while both serving, created an unbreakable bond between us. That chapter of our lives, in the midst of service, is one I’ll always cherish.
But Okinawa wasn’t just about my personal life—it’s where I discovered powerlifting. My husband, who had been in the gym since his teenage years, signed me up for a local MCCS (Marine Corps Community Services) meet on Camp Kinser in 2020. I had no idea what to expect, but that competition sparked a new passion in me. Powerlifting became a way for me to challenge myself physically and mentally, and it’s something I continue to pursue today. It was during my time in Okinawa that I learned the importance of pushing my limits—both inside and outside the gym—and how strength, discipline, and resilience can be developed in all areas of life.
The Military: A Family of Strangers, Yet So Much More
The military brings together people from all walks of life, and during my service, I worked alongside people from every corner of the world. Despite our different backgrounds, the friendships I formed with my fellow service members were some of the most authentic and lasting relationships of my life. We were an eclectic group, but together we became a family—one bound by shared purpose and the daily challenges we faced together.
Being a woman in the military added its own layer of complexity. While the number of women in the military is growing, being a woman in a predominantly male environment still felt rare, at least in the roles I held. Often, I wasn’t seen as a “military member”—instead, I was assumed to be someone’s wife or "the other." Over time, I learned to navigate these perceptions, prove my worth, and carve out my space. It wasn’t always easy, but it made me stronger and more resilient.
Veterans’s Day: A Time to Reflect and Honor Those Who Serve
Veteran’s Day means different things to different people, but for me, it’s a time to reflect on the shared experiences of everyone who has served. It’s a day to honor the friendships forged, the sacrifices made, and the strength it takes to wear the uniform.
Looking back, I feel immense gratitude for what the military gave me: the opportunity to serve, the skills I developed, the people I met, and the lessons I learned. It’s a reminder that service isn’t just about the time spent in uniform, but the way it shapes who you become. Veteran’s Day is also a time to honor my fellow service members—those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and those who continue to serve.
As I reflect on my six years of service in the Navy, I’m reminded of how far I’ve come and how much I’ve learned. From time management to leadership, to the unforgettable relationships I’ve built along the way—including with my husband and the sport of powerlifting—my time in the military has shaped me in ways I never could have imagined.
Veteran’s Day is more than just a holiday; it’s a time to recognize the incredible bond that service members share. To all of my fellow veterans, thank you for your sacrifices, your strength, and your courage. Your contributions continue to make this country what it is. I am proud to have served, proud to be part of this community, and grateful for the journey that began when I enlisted in the U.S. Navy.
