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VETERANS OF LKN
veterans LKN of
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WHILE THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN OUR MILITARY has expanded greatly over the years, women throughout history have stepped up to the challenge and served our country. Lake Norman Woman Magazine would like to thank all the women who have honorably served and continue to serve our great nation. In particular, we would like to extend a special thank you to a few of the women veterans who live and work right here in our community by sharing their stories with our readers.
ASHTON POLLOCK
Lance Corporal in the Marines from 2008-2014
What inspired you to join
the military? I knew the typical path of going to college right out of high school wasn’t for me, and when a Marine recruiter came to talk to the class, it just felt right!
What is the best part of being in the armed
services? I got to see so many places I never would have and getting to know people from all types of backgrounds and experiences.
What were/are your greatest challenges?
It’s always a challenge being a woman in the military. Just to be considered mediocre, women have to work twice as hard. Plus, there were always negative assumptions about you that you had to overcome. It was a lot of hard work just to be considered “good enough.”
What would you like U.S. citizens to know about our military personnel?
I think there is an inherent bias that a lot of people don’t realize they carry about the military. Whenever someone sees a Marine sticker, they automatically assume it’s my husband that was the Marine. Women are really proud of our service to our country, too, and I think a lot of people overlook us.
What inspired you to join the military?
I consider myself “economically motivated” and grew up fearful of student loan debt. I was sold when I found out from a recruiter during high school that the Army was offering tuition assistance. I saw the decision as a selfi sh, yet selfl ess, act of service.
What is the best part of being in the
armed services? The opportunity to learn and make meaningful friendships and connections … especially about leadership and communication from my experiences and exposure to diverse groups of people.
What were/are your greatest challenges?
As a woman of color, my hairstyle was not authorized in the Army when I enlisted so I had to comb out my locs and either wear wigs or box braids in order to look “presentable.” I remember feeling disappointed and hurt that I had to do this to be accepted. About fi ve years ago, the U.S Army lifted the ban on what they refer to as dreadlocks.
What would you like U.S. citizens to know about our military personnel? know about our military personnel?
In my opinion, veterans do not receive a fraction of what they deserve for sacrifi cing their health, privileges, family, and freedoms. There are far too many veterans with illnesses and injuries that are without homes, proper care, and/or support. I would like to give a special shoutout to my many family members who have served including my stepfather (who was wounded) and my fi ancé.
LEELA ZILE
SHERRI FLOCK
Sergeant in the Air Force from 1979-1983
What inspired you to join the military?
When I was little, I used to go with my dad (an electrician) on jobs and hand him his tools. The electric meters always intrigued me and being an electrician in the Air Force and working on planes fulfi lled my curiosity and my patriotic duty.
What is the best part of being in the armed
services? The great pride you have that you are doing something for your country, not just yourself. I was very proud to serve.
What were/are your greatest challenges?
Working 12-hour shifts on the fl ightline in 100-plus degree heat … but the job had to get done and keeping those planes and helicopters in the air was top priority!
What would you like U.S. citizens to
know about our military personnel? Our service members past and present serve unselfi shly to keep us free and safe in this beautiful country. Remembering and honoring our veterans and their families should always be front and center.
LINDSAY MONTGOMERY
Lieutenant O3 in the Navy Corps from 2003-2011
What inspired you to join the
military? It gave me a great opportunity to gain valuable experience in the fi eld of dentistry along with being in a leadership role that allowed me to work with all walks of life. The program also helped fi nance my doctorate degree in return for service to my country.
What is the best part of being in the
armed services? The camaraderie among everyone who was serving was the best. Also learning about oneself to see what you are capable of—especially as a leader.
What were/are your greatest
challenges? Being prepared for operational deployment when called to do so. Ensuring all women and men with whom you were to be deployed were in readiness … not being with your family when deployed overseas.
What would you like U.S. citizens to know about our military personnel?
All military personnel persevere in any job task they do, and they do it with dignity and strength. Everyone helps one another.
What inspired you to join the
military? My dad served in the Army during Vietnam, and although this was a diffi cult memory for him, he inspired me to enlist. I enlisted in the Army as a combat medic when I was 18, hoping that the training I would receive would bridge me to one day becoming a nurse.
What is the best part of being in
the armed services? Discipline and the strong bond you have with your fellow soldiers … these friendships are forever, as they are built during a time of growth, and strengthened in a time where you vow to protect them and your country.
What were/are your greatest
challenges? For me, the challenge of being away from family is one of the most diffi cult. Yet, the support of family and friends back home is also your greatest strength … while being married and raising children, I was able to earn my BSN in nursing.
What would you like U.S. citizens to know about our military personnel?
Your military brothers and sisters are your family … they get you through some of the toughest times in your life, support you in the absence of family, and are friendships that are stronger than even some of your own family. w
