My Story Is Your Story

This is my story - My childhood was absolutely the best.  All my childhood memories are of good times and fun times. My family was considered middle class, and my family foundation was strong. We were an African American family surviving in a society of economic and racial change during the 60s to the 80s. I was born and raised in St. Louis, MO. I was brought up to respect where I came from and that I am the result of my own actions. My parents instilled in me and my siblings that all people are created equal. Everybody is not your friend. Always remain humble and protect home. These are a few words of wisdom that have shaped me to be who I am today.

Though, through my growing years, society had classified black Americans as Negro, Black, and African American. I truly believe this was society’s way to keep our race confused, unstable, and divided. The bottom line is that I was a girl and now a woman with a black cultural background. I entered the military in the mid-80s with the titles of daughter, sister aunt, cousin and friend to many, and as I began my life chapter with the Army, I took on the title of Soldier which I wore proudly for 24 years, but also, wife and mother were added to my list of titles as well.

A segment of my Army chapter, that I will share began with my enlistment into the reserves. The Army was a pathway to obtaining higher education and these education benefits were enticing.  I loved the reserves, but I loved the camaraderie of the Army more, so soon after completing Basic training and Advanced Individual Training and a few monthly drills, I came on tour in an active-duty status.  The Army was everything and more. I learned early on that titles are so important in military structure, and I was fortunate to hold a lot of titles representing more than just me behind these titles.  Sometimes these titles came with the weight of the world on my shoulders. But as I wore the uniform and proudly adorned the rank on my shoulders or chest; I quickly realized I was powerful.  Not in the sense that I could move mountains, but powerful in a way that allowed me to reach Soldiers and empower them to achieve titles that they may not have thought were attainable.  The higher the rank I achieved the farther my reach was. Being able to change lives for the better was rewarding.  Being able to inspire up-and-coming leaders was fulfilling. I knew each time I reached out and communicated with Soldiers, I had my thumb print on our future. When the opportunity presented itself for me to have a conversation with Solders, which was daily, I cherished each moment. I embraced these opportunities to empower the next generation of leaders with purpose because I knew I was instilling knowledge with each conversation and each conversation in return fulfilled me. 

I knew that my avenue to these conversations was due to the titles I held. I could not have gotten to these moments without achieving the path that was placed before me years proceeding. As I look back at this segment of my Army chapter; I reflect on something as benign as a title; I realize these titles were avenues to impactful, powerful moments. 

I am honored to be a part of Shero Coffee Club and to be given a platform to share my story which may also be your story. So, as you sip your coffee think of those moments experienced during your military career where your title was your avenue to a conversation with Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen that created moments to develop a leader.