As a soldier, Tashima Wheeler defended her country before being medically retired from the Army in 2015. As a mom living in Florida, she protected her family as she and herthree daughters – ages 7, 5, and 3 – faced the threat of domestic violence. They left their family home and went to a shelter … Continued
After 10 years in the Air Force as a surgical technician, Staff Sgt. Mariana McKenzie was about to be deployed when she started experiencing severe pain symptoms in her joints. She was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and had to medically retire in 2012. “It was like a complete bomb in our lives when that happened,” … Continued
The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on many military families. Army Veteran Nicole Walcott and her new business were significantly impacted during this time. For the past three years, Army veteran Nicole Walcott has been building up her alternative health and wellness business in Fayetteville, North Carolina. The business was born due to a … Continued
Army Reserve Sgt. 1st Class Kiaveth Vasquez describes her childhood as traumatic. A contentious split between her parents resulted in Kiaveth and her two younger brothers being taken from her father’s house in the U.S. to Central America, where they lived with his mother. Kiaveth said she and her brothers were emotionally and physically abused … Continued
Veteran Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Robert Cash and his wife, Amanda, were nearing Christmas in 2019 and were feeling the financial pressure. They had gifts to buy for their daughter Maddlyn, then 4, Amanda was nearing her third trimester, and Robert had lost his job because of an injury. They still had not bought … Continued
Veteran Tamara Newton has never been late on bills. But as one of the 6 million Americans who had to file for unemployment after being laid off because of the COVID-19 pandemic, she was unable to pay her rent, plus some of her other bills too. She was at her leasing office asking about a … Continued
Veteran Army Staff Sgt. Stephen Hughs did everything right. He planned for the future, landed a good civilian job as a teacher after he was medically retired from service, and he saved for retirement. In fact, he had approximately $150,000 in savings. He gave back to his community in Thornton, Colorado, volunteering for a variety … Continued
As spring break wrapped up for Antonio Garcia, the Army veteran looked forward to getting back to Fisher College in Boston to finish his sophomore year and move closer to his degree in business management. Antonio had enlisted in the military in 2014 and worked as a wheeled vehicle mechanic. However, during a training exercise, … Continued
Codie Maile describes herself as an Army brat. Ten years ago, when her then-boyfriend, also named Cody, decided to enlist in the Army, she knew even better than him what to expect. The moves, deployments, and stretching a budget. She was ready for the adventure. “I told him we either break up or get married,” … Continued
Guest blog by Angela Costa, Community Investment Analyst, CSX As part of CSX’s Pride in Service initiative, which is focused on supporting the military community, veterans and first responders, I’ve been fortunate to volunteer at some really moving events that not only touched my heart, but positively touched the lives of many families. My latest … Continued
