Living and working on base allows Sgt. Perez to maximize his quality time with loved ones. "If you have time on your hands, you're free to do what you want, and I choose to spend my extra time with my family," he says. 

With the goal of becoming a neurosurgeon, Joshua is pursuing his degree in kinesiology while serving part time in the Military. “Going to college and pursuing a medical degree is something I wouldn’t have gotten to do without the Army Reserve,” he says.

Tyra is a naval reactors engineer, playing an important role in the Navy’s submarine force. “Using the Navy ROTC scholarship, which covered my tuition fees and books, and provided a small monthly stipend, I was able to attend Georgia Tech, where I majored in mechanical engineering,” she says.

As an instrument and flight control systems specialist, Alejandro locates and repairs malfunctions — allowing pilots to safely conduct missions. “We’re the ones who are making the plane fly,” he says. “Feeling like we have all this knowledge to solve problems … it’s a very cool feeling.”

As a space systems operator, Chanel keeps track of satellites to ensure our nation’s digital infrastructure stays operational. “When I take a step back and look at my job, I think, ‘Wow, I’m doing important stuff.’ Knowing I’m making a difference makes me really enjoy what I do,” she says.

Lin and her team are responsible for the installation and maintenance of electronic equipment for small boats. Her work ensures communication, navigation and data encryption all run smoothly for her unit, which is especially vital during coastal search and rescue operations.