By Shyamali Hauth
How does an 18-year old immigrant woman whose parents are both college professors and steeped in a tradition of non-violence end up in the armed forces?
I was working three part-time jobs and struggling to pay rent and college costs. A friend mentioned that as a reservist, the Army paid part of her tuition. So I went to see the Air Force recruiter. I liked what he said, not just about the tuition assistance, but about what I would be doing. So I enlisted, thinking I would serve my four years and get out.
Little did I know the four would stretch to 10 years on active duty (enlisted and officer) and another 22 as an Air Force spouse. I got those college degrees — a BA and an MS – gave birth to four children, and served with a group of people from all over, of all races, working together because, like me, they loved their country.