Featured Nominee

Carrie L Barnhill
Carrie L. Barnhill
Veteran | 14 years in the U.S. Air force

What did you do in service?

Administrative Clerk, Stenographer, Stenographer Technician; Office Manager and an Administrative Superintendent. During my time of service being a Stenographer was a very prestigious position since there were only 78 of us in the whole Air Force.

What was the biggest reason that led you to join the military?

I graduated from Bernice Negro High School, Bernice LA, at the age of 15 and graduated from Robinson Business College at the age of 18 and worked at Mississippi Valley University, Itta Bena, MS, and lived in the faulty building. I couldn’t date the students, and too young to date the faculty knew that I had to make a change. I had a Cousin in the Army that I adore, so it was either Nursing or the military. Had an opportunity to be an Officer or Enlisted – to active to be an officer. God chose the right one for me.

I saw an opportunity to fulfill my childhood dreams to dance all night, go to Paris, buy fashionable outfit and see all of the places I studied in my History classes. God fulfilled all of my wishes!!!

What advice would you give to others transitioning into civilian life?

Stay active. My advice is to find a Church family find a way to utilize your learned skills for profit. Remember, we are to use what we have been blessed with until we die!

God has provided me everything here on earth to enjoy, so this is my Heaven here on earth, the good, bad, and the ugly because there will be a different Heaven with the Lord.