SANDRA TODD

United States Army

I served in the United States Army from 1987 to 2009 as a Human Resources Specialist (42A).  My first duty station was Fort Meade, Maryland.  I was assigned to the 519th Military Police Battalion which deployed in support of “Operation Just Cause” (Invasion of Panama) in 1989.  I retired with 21 years of service.

Interesting enough, as the first person (and female) to join the United States Army in my family, it was difficult for my family to understand why I wanted to do such thing.  But I loved it, overcoming my challenges and fears.  Fast forward 21 years later, I realize the military has shaped me to be who I am today—transitioning and integrating into the civilian life is never easy.  I have learned that my thought process and perspective on life may be a little different and makes it a little difficult to fit in.  I love life and appreciate my family dearly.

During my service, I have made life-long friends.  I have learned to grow as a professional, a woman, mother, and a wife.  I consider my military career a blessing and an experience that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.  I am proud of who I am today, where I came from, and if I had the opportunity to do it again, I would not change a thing.  Redefining yourself is very much like life-long learning, it never stops.  Army Strong!