Photo By Staff Sgt. V. Michelle Woods | Pfc. Kamie Valenzuela, a paralegal specialist with Special Troops Battalion, Task...... read more read more
BAGRAM, Afghanistan – While her peers were soaking up sun rays on the beach and enjoying their first experiences out of high school, California native Pfc. Kamie Valenzuela, a paralegal specialist with Special Troops Battalion, 1st Sustainment Brigade, was learning how to fire an M4 in basic training at Fort Jackson, S.C.
Serving on her first deployment, Valenzuela, who described herself as carefree yet also as a workaholic, shared her story about why she serves in the U.S. army.
“I serve because I always wanted to be like my dad,” said Valenzuela. “My dad was my biggest hero and he served in the military. I always wanted to follow in his footsteps and make him and the rest of my family proud.”
Valenzuela said she grew up in a military lifestyle and her parents helped prepare her for life as a soldier.
“I come from an army family,” said Valenzuela. “My mom and dad instilled certain values in me like honor and integrity and told me to be the best at what I do. Thankfully, I have a very supportive family who is there for me.”
Her father, who served in the army for 11 years, encouraged her to join, she said. In May 2011, then 18-year-old Valenzuela took the oath of honor to serve her country.
“After swearing in, I knew it was official,” said Valenzuela. “I was really excited because it was something that I always wanted to do. I grew up around this lifestyle and it’s something I always aspired to be. I felt really happy especially knowing my family was proud of me.”
After enlisting, every service member is required to make adjustments from civilian to military life. Valenzuela said the adjustments weren’t difficult but the sacrifices were emotionally hard on her and her younger sister.
“I’ve always been a free-bird so going into an institution with certain rules and regulations you have to abide by was an adjustment for me,” said Valenzuela. “I used to like dying my hair fun colors and that’s not something I can do anymore, but I’m adjusting to it fine.”
She added, “Leaving my sister behind and being away from her is one of the biggest sacrifices I’ve had to make. She’s been my best friend and I helped take care of her when we were growing up. She took it the hardest but she sees what I’m doing as awesome and heroic.”
After fulfilling her military contract, Valenzuela said she intends on continuing her education and becoming a social worker.
“I want to extend my service into helping others in a different way,” she said. “My goal is to earn my degree and then work to help children in unfortunate situations.”
| Date Taken: | 10.06.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 10.24.2012 09:14 |
| Story ID: | 96666 |
| Location: | BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AF |
| Web Views: | 139 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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