I entered the USAF in September of 2002 and deployed to Iraq in August of 2003. While there, I was assigned to the Coalition Provisional Authority and worked for the Governance and Human Rights office as the military assistant to the Director of Governance. One of tasks I performed was to inventory all of Uday Hussein’s personal belongings. Another task was to provide security for office personnel when leaving the Green Zone. I also helped out with Women’s Issues and met with many Iraqi women to help the initiative to have more women representation in Iraqi government.

After I returned home from Iraq I was stationed at Maxwell AFB in Montgomery, AL and was assigned to the ABW Command Staff. Although I enjoyed supporting the Wing Commander and Vice Commander I was excited to see more of the world and volunteered to go overseas to S. Korea. In Korea I was assigned to the J3 Operations for USFK HQ and spent 2 years supporting real world and exercise missions.

The military changed the trajectory of my life.

In addition to serving in the US military, I deliberately chose to continue to push limits. I found ultra running and joy in doing hard things. The confidence it gave me in all aspects of my life is something that I want to share. I think there is a lot of value in the way we approach the difficulties of life.