BAGHDAD - Today's Soldier in Focus is Spc. Eileen Flynn, an operations assistant assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Multi-National Division - Baghdad.
Flynn was born and raised in Sydney, Australia. At the age of 23, Flynn moved to the U.S. She enlisted in the U.S. Army in June 2007 and became an American citizen in August 2008. She now resides in Newbern, N.C.
Flynn has earned two bachelor degrees from the Sydney Technical Institute: one in social science and one in early childhood education.
Prior to joining the Army, Flynn was an English teacher. Being the spouse of a Marine master sergeant allowed her to educate children all over the world.
Despite the fact she was living the military lifestyle as a spouse, Flynn was always curious about life in uniform. She joined the Army because she wanted to experience what she had only heard about through her husband's combat stories. Flynn also said by joining the Army she could better appreciate the sacrifices made by servicemembers because she would be one herself.
"I really wanted to see and experience what my husband used to tell me about," she said. "So I decided to join the Army, go to Airborne school, become a paratrooper and serve my country."
Flynn said her favorite part about being a paratrooper is the thrill of jumping out of an airplane.
"It's a rush and if I could jump every day I would" said Flynn.
She is currently serving on her first deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
During her spare time in Iraq, Flynn enjoys going to the gym, and she is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts.
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