Rank, name
Staff Sgt. Lisa Swanson

Unit
Company D, 3rd Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment

Military Occupational
Specialty / Job title
42A, Human Resources Specialist / drill sergeant

Years in service
11 years

Marital status
Married, two children

Highest education
Some college

Hobbies
Hanging out with her children, bicycling

In the 11 years Staff Sgt. Lisa Swanson has served, she has been deployed to Afghanistan.

She has been stationed at Fort Carson, Colo., Camp Humphreys, Korea and Fort Jackson.
She said her most memorable experience in the Army was the moment she was named the 2009 NCO of the Year.

"The feeling I got when I found out that I won NCO of the Year, I wanted to pass out. It was excitement, disbelief."

Swanson competed with three other NCOs for the title.
She said she has been most influenced by the solidarity she has found in the Army.

"I always wanted to be in the Army since I was a little girl. I love the camaraderie and the Army family."

Her goals are two-fold.

"I want to win Drill Sergeant of the Cycle, and I want to spend more time with my family."

Her advice for junior enlisted Soldiers:
"Find positive role models and good leadership, and emulate them."

We salute you!