I wanted to be part of the world's best fighting force, so I joined the U.S. Army in 1976 and earned the title of soldier as a member of the Women’s Army Corps at Fort Jackson, S.C. My grandfather fought in World War II. I enlisted the year he officially retired. It was a symbolic changing of the guard, and I was proud to follow in the footsteps of his combat boots. I wanted to be a part of something larger than myself. and to dedicate my life to serving the country.

My family has a history of military service, from the Revolutionary War to Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. The ideals of "duty, honor, country" have always been a part of my experience, from basic combat training until the day I retired in 2006. I had good times and bad times, but I wouldn't trade any of it. I had the privilege of serving in peace and war, with some of the finest people ever to wear the uniform. Some of them did not come home, and I will never forget them.

Sfc. Cheryl McElroy, U.S. Army (retired)