Why I serve: Soldier's journey began in Guyana

By Staff Sgt. Bernhard LashleyleidnerJuly 21, 2014

Why I serve: Soldier's journey began in Guyana
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT IRWIN, Calif. - It was a hot and sunny day in the Mojave Desert. Spc. Patricia Naipaul, a lightwheel mechanic with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Special Troops Battalion, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, was hard at work repairing the unit's vehicles at the brigade tactical training area at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, California.

Naipaul's journey to a life of service began in 2009 when she left her home country of Guyana to join her husband, a Guyana native and U.S. citizen, in the Brooklyn, New York.

While looking for a career in the accounting field, she learned her experience and education in accounting from her home country was not valid in the U.S. She began looking for colleges to attend to obtain an American degree, when she happened upon an advertisement for the Army.

"I researched the Army's rich history and traditions and knew this was the place for me," Naipaul said. "I was not simply looking for a job. I had a career before I came to the U.S. and the Army could provide the career opportunities I was looking for.

"Naipaul's plan was to become an accountant in the Army, but after

meeting with a recruiter she learned her career opportunities would be

limited due to not being a U.S. citizen and her inability to obtain a security clearance.

"I told the recruiter I would accept any job as long as it allowed me to use my brain and my hands," Naipaul said. "I was so motivated to join the Army that I gave up my Guyana citizenship in order to obtain a security clearance."

In June 2011 she began her life of service when she shipped out to basic

training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, for initial training and continued

on to Fort Jackson, South Carolina, for advance individual training as a mechanic.

"My husband was very supportive and excited for me because he always

dreamed of serving in the Army, but was not able to," Naipaul said. "When I joined he was finally able to fulfill his life of serving through me."

Naipaul said when she arrived to the brigade she found out she was one of four female mechanics in the unit and wanted to prove to the command she was in good shape and technically proficient

at her job.

"Her initiative and strong work ethic makes her one the best female

mechanics we have," said Sgt. 1st Class Brian Ferguson, platoon and motor sergeant with HHC, STB, 1st ABCT, 1st Infantry Division. "What makes her such a good mechanic and Soldier is because she never leaves until a job is done and she is constantly trying to improve herself."

Naipaul recently completed her two-year degree in 16 months and was awarded her associates degree with honors from Barton Community College at Fort Riley.

She is enrolled in the business administration program at Kansas State University and looks forward to receiving her bachelor's degree in finance and accounting.

"I love being a Soldier and think everyone should join for at least four years to experience something," Naipaul said.