I enlisted in the U.S. Army at 17 and have spent the past 11 years in the Civil Affairs community, bridging military and civilian efforts in Europe and East Africa. As a Staff Sergeant and Civil Affairs Team Sergeant, I have deployed twice to the Horn of Africa, working with NGOs, IGOs, local communities, and governments to support military objectives and humanitarian missions. I have been honored to receive two Army Commendation Medals, the National Defense Service Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.