06/20/2026
Someone told me earlier this year, jokingly, that I was “given” my E7/SFC rank.
I usually let comments like that roll off my back, but it made me reflect on what it actually took to earn that rank.
My journey began in June 1997 when I enlisted in the Tennessee Army National Guard at 17 years old. Over the course of more than 20 years of service, I served in multiple MOSs, deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, completed military schools, accepted increasing levels of responsibility, and continued serving through the challenges that come with military life, family life, and civilian careers.
In 2023, I successfully completed the Senior Leader Course (SLC), a requirement for senior noncommissioned officers preparing to serve at higher levels of leadership and responsibility.
I didn’t promote myself. The Army reviewed my record, my performance, my education, my leadership experience, and selected me for promotion.
No rank is “given.” Every stripe and every rocker represents years of commitment, sacrifice, training, and service.
I retired on June 18, 2025, as a Sergeant First Class, and I am proud of the work, the people, and the experiences that helped me earn that rank.
To every NCO who has ever doubted themselves: don’t let anyone diminish what you’ve accomplished. You know what it took to get where you are.
Women veterans are told things like this too often. Not that they worked hard to earn their rank. Every rocker was earned.
