A theme for this year’s Hispanic Heritage month is, Hispanic Americans: Shaping the Bright Future of America. Spc. Jennifer Liriano, a 68C from Jersey City, N.J. and member of the 865th Combat Support Hospital in Niagara Falls, N.Y, is a shining example of that bright future.

Spc. Jennifer Liriano was recently interviewed for an upcoming Army Marketing campaign and here are a few comments on why she joined, served and how the Army Reserve has made her stronger.

I’ve been searching for my purpose for a long time. I’ve always known I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself and I’ve always wanted to protect people and give back to my community and country. What better way to do that than to protect those I love in the country I love by joining the Army. There is just something in me that does not want to see people suffer. I need to do everything I can to protect those who cannot protect themselves. I have seen a lot of suffering growing up in poverty, living in the Dominican Republic.

I was in nursing school at Alvernia University in Reading PA working towards my BSN, I wanted to join the Army after I got my degree, but my school would not allow me to start my semester without first paying $15,000 out of pocket. Luckily, with the help of my Army recruiters I was able to find that the Army had a Nursing program and I was able to become a Licensed Practical Nurse. I also was given the opportunity to choose from many different programs to help me fund the rest of my schooling and I am currently and RN student with no debt.

The Army has made me stronger than I ever thought I could be and showed me that I have what it takes to be a leader. If it wasn’t for the opportunities the Army has given me, I wouldn’t be who I am today. https://usar.dod.afpims.mil/3rdMCDS/