Yesenia Mata faced skepticism about her decision to join the U.S. Army due to her size but successfully enlisted as a military police specialist in 2009. As a daughter of Mexican immigrants, she serves not only for herself but for others who faced doubts about their dreams. Recently commissioned as a captain, Mata emphasizes the importance of perseverance and discipline. Her family, particularly her parents and husband, provided essential support, encouraging her to pursue her goals. Her military service is part of a proud family tradition of military involvement.
"Whenever I wanted to join, people would say, 'Well, you're very small, and you're not going to make it. Do you even meet the height requirements?'... They would say, 'The rucksack weighs more than you.'"
"I wear this uniform not just for myself, but for every young girl told her dreams were too big, for every immigrant parent who sacrificed everything, and for the promise of our nation."
"Women are capable of serving and we're capable of being captains and leading. I know how important it is to always carry myself very well, to be disciplined and to continue going. And it's hard. Getting to this point was not easy."
"My family has always taught me the importance of being involved in the community and serving our country. Sometimes you do need other people to support you, and tell you that you can do it."
Collection
[
|
...
]