Veronica Skomra

Name 

Veronica Skomra

What was your highest rank? 

I completed my duties as a Sergeant when I left the Army in 2011.

Which branch were you in? 

I was in the Army Reserves.

What Military Occupation Specialty did you have?

I was a 92a, the big term is Automated Logistical Specialist. 

Why did you choose that branch? 

I didn’t have to do full time military because I didn’t really want to do that. I wanted to go to college, and I knew I wanted to be a teacher. I was just trying to find a way to pay for college.

How long did you serve, and how long ago did you serve? 

I joined right after high school, so that would’ve been 2003, and I got out in 2011, so eight years.

Is there anything you remember about your time in the service? 

My favorite part about joining the military was going to the range.  I was an expert shooter, and I had better accuracy than most of the units that I’ve ever been a part of during many trips at the range. I especially enjoyed a training that included shooting targets from a moving Humvee.

Where are some of the places you’ve been? 

I was stationed in Greensburg for a while, and then I transferred. But while I was in Greensburg, it was me and one other person; we got moved to a unit out of California. I had to go overseas for a year during Operation: Enduring Freedom, which is in Afghanistan. I got thrown into a unit that I had no idea who anybody was. And I was literally there for a year during 2005 to 2006. 

What does being in the military mean to you? 

I would say, first and foremost, you’re performing a selfless act by providing for your country and fighting for your country. That’s number one. Number two, I think it is a great motivation to join the military to pay for any kind of college that you plan on doing after your time in the military, or even during, whatever you want to do. That was a big plus for me because my family had no money while I was growing up, and I didn’t have a way to pay for college, so that was my only way to go. I’m very very happy I did it. I don’t regret it. I didn’t like some of the stuff we did in the military, but it had its perks. Just giving that selflessness, and being able to help your country; it’s an amazing feat for anyone to accomplish that and sign that line that you are giving your life for other people. 

Any tips for students going into basic training?

Get in shape before you go. The conditioning is difficult if you aren’t already in shape. They get you in shape anyway, but if you are a little bit conditioned beforehand, it helps.