Today marks a monumental milestone – the United States Army turns 250 years old. Two hundred and fifty years of service, sacrifice, and strength. As I reflect on this incredible anniversary, I can’t help but think about how profoundly the Army changed the trajectory of my entire life.
From Limited Horizons to Limitless Possibilities
Growing up in Ohio, my world felt incredibly small. From age 5 until 12, I lived in group and foster homes before returning to a very limited-means family with few opportunities. Honestly, I couldn’t see much of a future ahead of me, but the Lord was in my heart and I knew—deep down—there had to be a better path forward.
I dreamed of going to college, but no one ever told me it was possible. As a B- student working two jobs throughout high school, I was just trying to survive each day. No one in my life encouraged me or told me that I could be more – not even my high school counselors. The path seemed narrow, the possibilities few.
But in 1987, at 18 years old, I made a decision that would transform everything – I enlisted in the United States Army.
That choice didn’t just give me a job; it gave me a completely new life. And years later, that same determination the Army instilled in me would drive me to earn my master’s degree in criminal justice—while married, working full-time, raising three sons, and maintaining a 4.0 GPA. The girl who was treated that she’d never do much had learned, she could do anything.
The Army Showed Me Who I Could Become
Over my 11 years of active-duty service (1987-1998), the Army didn’t just train me – it built me from the ground up. I served as an Executive Administrative Assistant, Orderly Room Sergeant, Property Book Sergeant, Supply Sergeant, and Small Group Instructor. I lived overseas in Germany and South Korea, seeing parts of the world I never could have imagined visiting as that young woman from Ohio.
The Army was the first institution that believed in me when no one else did. It taught me discipline, leadership, and most importantly, that I was capable of far more than I ever believed possible. When I was named Fort Lee Soldier of the Year in 1991 and later received the Meritorious Service Medal, I realized something profound: the Army hadn’t just given me opportunities – it had shown me my own potential.
A Foundation for Everything That Followed
Without the Army, I honestly don’t think I would be the productive member of society I am today. The structure, the values, the confidence – all of it came from my military service and the Lord. The Army gave me:
- Purpose – Understanding that service to others matters
- Discipline – The foundation for everything I’ve accomplished since
- Confidence – Knowing I can tackle any challenge
- Leadership skills – That I’ve used in every role since leaving active duty
- A global perspective – From my overseas assignments
These weren’t just military skills – they became life skills that shaped my post-service career in county government, veteran services, my master’s degree in criminal justice, and ultimately, my work creating Boots 2 Benefits and IGY6 Movement.
From Grateful Veteran to Veteran Advocate
My gratitude for what the Army gave me is exactly why I do what I do today. After my own 23-year journey with VA disability claims (finally achieving 100% P&T in 2023), I knew I had to pay it forward. The same Army values that lifted me out of poverty in Ohio now drive my mission to help other veterans get the benefits they’ve earned.
Every veteran I help through Boots 2 Benefits, every success story, every claim that goes from denial to approval – it’s all connected to that grateful 18-year-old who raised her right hand and took the oath in 1987.
250 Years of Changing Lives
Today isn’t just about celebrating the Army’s birthday – it’s about recognizing how this incredible institution has been changing lives for 250 years. From the Continental Army in 1775 to today’s modern force, the Army has been a pathway to opportunity, a builder of character, and a creator of leaders.
For me, it was quite literally a lifeline.
Eternal Gratitude
As we celebrate 250 years of Army excellence today, I want every veteran reading this to know: your service mattered. The Army changed you, just like it changed me. Whether you served 4 years or 30, whether you stayed stateside or deployed multiple times, whether you left as a private or a general – the Army gave you something that can never be taken away.
It gave you the foundation to become who you were meant to be. It gave you to the Veteran Family and you will always be cherished and honored.
Happy 250th Birthday to the United States Army!
You served. You sacrificed. You earned it.
🎖️ Sarge
U.S. Army Veteran (1987-1998)
Founder, Boots 2 Benefits