SSG Michelle Araujo—Hero On Call

I joined the Regular Army in 1996, and trained for my MOS—42A Human Resources Specialist. Upon completion of my term of service, I decided to leave the Regular Army so I could go to school full-time, which I was unable to do while in the Regular Army. Once I got out, I spoke to a National Guard Recruiter and enlisted for the remaining time of my military service.

I was assigned to the Medical Detachment in St. Augustine, FL, as a Human Resources Assistant, where I kept up with records and files for the Soldiers in my unit. I remained with that unit for about a year until I got selected for promotion to Sergeant (E-5).

After accepting the promotion, I was assigned to the 153rd Finance Battalion. After being there about six months, my unit was mobilized to go overseas. In December of 2003, the unit mobilized to go to Fort Stewart, GA, where we received training before we headed out to the desert.

In January of 2004, we finally deployed and arrived at Camp Arifjan Kuwait. My duties while in Kuwait were to continue keeping all personnel files up to date, such as processing recommendation for awards and decorations and keeping all noncommissioned officer evaluations up-to-date. We were also in charge of going on small missions, such as taking the sergeant majors and commanders to-and-from the airport to fly to Iraq and check on Soldiers.

We spent a total of 12 months in Kuwait and completed our duty there. I currently work with the Joint Force Headquarters in the state of Florida where I continue to work in my MOS 42A.

Contact your local recruiter for more information.