Stories of Services

I never set out to be the girl behind the camera, the one writing the stories, or the voice bringing service to life. But here I am, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Serving in the Tennessee National Guard has given me more than a title. It has given me a purpose and a platform to show that strength doesn’t always have to look loud to be powerful.

In Public Affairs, my mission is storytelling. Through my career, I have captured everything from helicopter flyovers to international training exercises to community missions. But behind every photo, every video, every press release, there is a heartbeat. There is someone’s reason for serving, someone’s sacrifice, someone’s pride. And I get to be the one to tell that story.

There was a moment early in my training when I interviewed a civilian instructor about PTSD and the invisible battles that follow service. Hearing his honesty and pain changed me. It reminded me that storytelling in uniform is not about headlines. It is about humanity. That lesson has stayed with me ever since, reminding me that emotion and professionalism can exist together, and that truth told well can connect people far beyond the military community.

Wearing a uniform is one thing, but growing into the woman who wears it is another story entirely. The Guard has been my family, my challenge, and my reminder that leadership does not have to fit a mold. I have learned to balance the chaos, to stay grounded in the whirlwind, and to take a breath when I forget how far I have come. Being a woman and a mom in the military comes with its own set of expectations, but it is also one of my greatest joys. My kids have seen me deploy creativity, command composure, and chase excellence. And one day, when they look back, I hope they see that their mom did not just wear the uniform—she owned it.

This is what service looks like for me. It is showing up even when it is messy. It is creating connection through stories that matter. It is balancing duty and identity, heart and hustle. It is proving every single day that you can serve your country, raise your kids, chase your dreams, and still show up with your confidence high.

Service is not just what I do. It is who I am. And I am just getting started.