Erin E. Rice is a proud veteran from Wisconsin who served in the Army National Guard from 2005 to 2014, participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom at Camp Cropper and VBC Base in Baghdad, Iraq. She was deployed with the 1/105th Cavalry out of Watertown, WI, and her home unit was Bravo Company, 132nd Support Battalion based in Mauston, WI. After one year of college, Erin felt a compelling urge to make a more significant impact and enlisted. Initially drawn by the sense of purpose and camaraderie, she found her reasons for staying in the military evolved into a deep appreciation for the bonds formed with like-minded individuals. Transitioning to civilian life posed its own challenges; she experienced feelings of isolation without the structured support system she had known in the military. Seeking routine and purpose, she quickly returned to work after her service. As the first and only woman in her family to enlist, Erin encourages other women to join for their own reasons and to advocate for themselves, emphasizing the importance of asking questions and remaining open to the benefits available to them. Above all, she values the lifelong friendships she forged during her service and encourages others to protect those connections.
