Service, strength, and sacrifice define the single parent experience. This Veterans Day, hear directly from ASPSF recipients who have served, reflecting on what this day means to them.

Years served: 2011-2024 Camp Robinson

What did you do while you served?
I was a radio equipment repairer. I spent seven years as a full-time National Guard technician, where I worked as an electronics mechanic. My role was to inspect, upgrade, and repair Army electronic equipment when needed.

My last few years in, I worked in public affairs. My role was to tell the Army story through positive, high-quality photos, videos, and well-written articles to be used for social media and other media forms. I also worked as a cadre for Youth Challenge.

Why did you choose to enlist?
The military runs in my blood. My mother was a member of the Arkansas Army National Guard before I was born, my brother served a short time in the Air Force, and my father retired from the Air Force as a Master Sergeant. I was continuing the tradition that so many Black soldiers before me worked hard to make possible for me.

What does Veterans Day mean to you?
Veterans Day is a reminder of all the soldiers who gave up physical and emotional parts of themselves to protect this country. It is a reminder that it is because of brave women and Black soldiers that I was even able to enlist and serve as I did.

How is ASPSF helping you to create a better future for your family?
The single parent scholarship is allowing me the opportunity to show my daughter that delayed does not mean denied. It is giving me the chance to not only provide a higher quality of life for my daughter, but to finally walk in my calling.

Years served: Shepard AFB (2004), Fort Sill (2009), and Fisher Armory (2010 – 2013)

What did you do while you served?
Surgical Technologist and Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear Specialist (CBRN)

Why did you choose to enlist?
I was looking for structure, and I was inspired by my ROTC teacher Sgt Major Lem.

What does Veterans Day mean to you?
A reminder of the women and men I served with.

How is ASPSF helping you to create a better future for your family?
The ripple effect of my decision to return to college has inspired my children in ways I couldn’t have imagined. As a mother, knowing that my actions have motivated them to dream bigger and push harder is more than I could ever ask for.

Years served: Currently serving

What did you do while you served?
I was a medic, but now I’m in ROTC to become an officer.

Why did you choose to enlist?
I got out of AP bio to take the ASVAB, and I ended up doing really well, so I decided to enlist.

What does Veterans Day mean to you?
It honors all those who have been willing to and have given their lives to the service.

How is ASPSF helping you to create a better future for your family?
It’ll help ease the financial burden, which gives me more time to focus on school and my kid.