Necessity. My plan had been to go to nursing school at the C&O Hospital on a scholarship upon graduation, but it closed my senior year. I had no money for college on my own, so I worked two full-time jobs until that began to take its toll. I looked into both the Army and the Navy and ultimately chose the Army. I am happy I did. I had a place to live, three meals a day and a free medical education. I’m grateful to have served.

Sandra Martin Penn, Belhaven American Legion Post 249