Photo By Spc. Adilen Soto Margolla | U.S. Army Reserve Pfc. Maria Milagros López Padilla, assigned to the 166th Regional...... read more read more
Subscribe
FORT BUCHANAN, Puerto Rico - U.S. Army Reserve Pfc. María Milagros López Padilla, a human resources specialist from the 166th Regional Support Group, from Arroyo, Puerto Rico is building a future rooted in service, education and family.
López joined the U.S. Army Reserve in August 2024, motivated by her desire to provide opportunities for her two children and pursue a college education. Her decision to serve was also influenced by a strong family legacy of military service.
“My family has always been connected to the military,” López said. “My grandfather is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, my sister serves in the National Guard, and my brother-in-law is also a National Guard veteran.”
López added that two of her nephews plan to join the uniformed services after graduating high school.
As a human resources specialist, López supports personnel readiness and administrative operations, skills that align with her long-term goal of earning a bachelor’s degree in human resources. She said the Army has helped her grow both personally and professionally.
“The Army has made me stronger physically, mentally and professionally,” López said.
One of her proudest moments in uniform has been reuniting with her children after time away for training.
“Seeing how happy my kids are when they see me in uniform means everything to me,” López said. “I want to be an example for them.”
López shared that her son often reacts with excitement when he sees her wearing her uniform.
“He says, ‘Mama, wow, you are a soldier,’” López said. “Now he tells me he wants to be a Soldier one day.”
She credits her family’s strong support system for helping her balance civilian responsibilities with military service.
“If I ever have to deploy, I know my family will support me and help take care of my kids,” López said.
Looking ahead, López plans to be promoted to specialist and apply for the active guard and reserve (AGR) program while continuing her education. She sees Army service as a long term part of her future.
Her advice to others considering military service is “Don’t wait until it’s too late,” López said. “The Army can be a long-term boost for your life.”
| Date Taken: | 02.08.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 02.10.2026 08:42 |
| Story ID: | 557791 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 18 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Pfc. Lopez's Service, Family and Career Goals, by SPC Adilen Soto Margolla, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
