FORT CARSON, Colorado - Inspired by her mother's military legacy, a young Soldier entered the U.S. Army looking for her purpose within its ranks.
At age 25, Spc. Breana Brown, a human resources specialist assigned to the 759th Military Police Battalion, 89th Military Police Brigade, from Cheraw, South Carolina, joined the Army in August 2020.
After only three years in the service, she has accomplished many things, from earning early promotions to completing combative courses; she continues to strive for greatness in her career with the help of her mother's advice.
"A proud moment was when I saw my daughter in her uniform for the first time," said Candace Brown, Brown's mother, a former correctional specialist with the U.S. Marine Corps. "Initially, I was shocked and afraid when I heard that's what she wanted to do, but I knew she could."
Brown initially joined the Florida National Guard and, after completing her basic and advanced individual training, she arrived at her unit in July 2021. However, once she experienced what the Army had to offer, she knew she needed to wear the uniform every day.
Brown said that was an important decision as she strove to be the best version of herself and make her mother proud as an African American woman in the military.
"Once arriving, I found out my unit was deploying to the Middle East," said Brown. "As scary as it was, it was also exciting, and being over there solidified my decision to go active duty."
While deployed to the Middle East, Brown promoted early to the rank of specialist at the recommendation of her battalion commander.
"I got recognized for all my hard work, and it felt really good," said Brown. "It was one of my proudest moments."
Since then, Brown has become a Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers representative, a Students Against Sexual Harassment ambassador, and continued to pursue higher certifications in Army combatives.
"A sense of pride and a sense of purpose comes to mind when I'm thinking about what I'm doing every day and who I'm doing it for." said Brown.
Eventually, Brown plans to complete the Combatives Master Trainer Course to teach all aspects of combatives in her unit. Additionally, she works with the Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention representatives to incorporate combatives into a self-defense program for Soldiers.
Brown strives to enhance the Army by introducing innovative ideas to aid servicemembers. She plans to continue serving her country with pride and looks forward to a future where she can be all she can be.
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