My Army Story

The US army has provided me with more than just a job. Being a soldier with the US

army means serving the country and the world alongside some of the best battalions on the

globe. When I graduated from high school, I had no real direction. All I knew was that I would

further my education, find a career that will allow me to travel and experience cultures other that

my own. Joining the army was good decision. I have since graduated with a bachelor’s degree in

law and currently serving as a paralegal non-commissioned officer.

My job involves providing preliminary paralegal and administrative support to

commanders and staff within my unit and coordinating actions with our supervising legal office.

Working at the center of military justice, I help prepare documents in support of courts martial,

coordinate paralegal assistance services, non-judicial punishment, line of duty determinations

and other administrative matters such as claim processing and conducting investigations on

violations of the law of war and other rules of engagement.

During my career, I have served as the Spanish translator for US Army South

commanding general. The experience was both rewarding and exciting, specifically because it

involved a multi-national convention related to national security. In 2019, I was honored to serve

as the National Security non-commissioned officer (NCO) in Qatar. My assignment was to train

and educate US and foreign judges and advocates in matters pertaining to international law and

its application in military service.

Joining the military has proven to be one of my best decisions. However, serving in the

army is a series of great times and defeating moments. Military service means leaving your

comfort zone and separating with family and friends. Despite the string of challenges, the job

gives me a chance to serve, and that is fulfilling.