Spc. Christina Hines- Former EMT, Aspiring pilot uses Army to accomplish lifelong dream

By Sgt. 1st Class Alex Licea, 3rd BCT PAO, 82nd Abn. Div., MND-BJuly 12, 2009

(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

BAGHDAD - Today's Soldier in Focus is Spc. Christina Hines, an automatic logistics specialist assigned to the Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Multi-National Division - Baghdad. Hines, a native of Sebastian, Fla., joined the Army two years ago and is currently serving her first deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Hines as always had a desire to serve. Prior to joining the Army, the 26-year-old worked five years as an emergency medical technician. Despite her love for the profession however, Hines wanted to take her work to the next level and fulfill a lifelong dream of becoming a helicopter pilot while continuing to work in the medical field. But like most young people, Hines could not afford the cost of pilot school.

Determined to accomplish her goal, Hines decided to serve her country and enlist in the Army in order to pursue her dream.

"I joined the Army to serve my country and work my way to achieving my goal," she said. "Although the lifestyle is difficult with deployments, the Army has taught me leadership skills and made me a better person."

As an automatic logistics specialist, she establishes and maintains stock records for vehicle equipment to ensure all the vehicles in her battalion are received and help keep the warfighter on the road.

"I have an important job and I'm helping out in a big way," she said. "We all have our missions in order to make sure our battalion is combat ready."

While in Iraq, Hines took the first step in fulfilling her dream. She recently submitted her packet for acceptance into the warrant officer candidate program in order to become a pilot. Her ultimate goal is to become a medical evacuation pilot and tie in her love of both professions.

Hines' comes from a long line of military service. Her grandfather served as a U.S. Marine, and her parents met while serving together in the U.S. Air Force.

She takes great pride in being a Paratrooper. When she enlisted in the Army, she wanted to do something no one else in her family had ever done. She figured if she was joining the service she should go all the way and jumping out of airplanes was the way to do it. Hines jokes she has all the bragging rights during family get-togethers back home.

During her spare time in Iraq, Hines enjoys going to the gym and continuing her career progression by taking professional development courses. Hines is also an avid following of the stock market.