Paula Polk

Staff Sergeant

Veteran | 12 years in the Army

Interview Questions

What did you do in the service?

Personnel Specialist and Support Operations of the S-1. I am a Disabled Veteran from Iraq ( was injured while serving in Iraq after the one year deployment I got on a hardship as a single parent).  

What area of your life has the military helped you grow the most in?

Learning that no matter what challenges you face in life never give up and try to help others who one day may encounter those same obstacles and help them overcome it as you did.

What is your perspective of patriotism?

My prospective of Patriotism is continued support through devotion by serving America’s Hero’s as I work for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA hospital).  

What was your experience transitioning from active duty to civilian life?

My experiences were hard, I did not want to leave the military. But, after a year long deployment, getting hurt and knowing that I was getting ready to deploy again was to much. I was also an MST survivor not getting then help I needed.  

What do you do, post active duty?

I am now a supervisor GS-11 Administrative Officer for Care Management & Social Work Service. I started working for the Department of Defense (DOD) while on terminal leave from the Army. So I have a total of nearly 29 years ( I will actually hit 29 in July 2021). All of this is consecutive with no breaks in Federal service .   

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

Know that there is life after the military, it took me awhile to break the old habits. Know that there is help out there, reach out to your local agencies for help.

What are things that people should consider before they decide to serve their country?

Really think about it before you join the military, it is not for everyone (it is very structured and there are rules). Get a skill set you can us after the military.