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Sgt. Vera Lukash, a motor transport operator assigned to the Minnesota National Guard's 34th Red Bull Infantry Division stands for a photo in the Middle East, March 20, 2024. Lukash was born in Ukraine and joined the Minnesota National Guard when she was 17. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Spc. Tyler Becker)
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Sgt. Vera Lukash, a motor transport operator with the Minnesota National Guard's 34th Red Bull Infantry Division sits with her mother for a photo. Lukash was born in Ukraine and joined the Minnesota National Guard when she was 17. (Submitted Photo)
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Sgt. Vera Lukash, a motor transport operator assigned to the Minnesota National Guard's 34th Red Bull Infantry Division stands for a photo in the Middle East, March 20, 2024. Lukash was born in Ukraine and joined the Minnesota National Guard when she was 17. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Spc. Tyler Becker)
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Sgt. Vera Lukash, a motor transport operator assigned to the Minnesota National Guard's 34th Red Bull Infantry Division takes a photo with her dog. Lukash was born in Ukraine and joined the Minnesota National Guard when she was 17. (Summited Photo)
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Sgt. Vera Lukash, a motor transport operator with the Minnesota National Guard's 34th Red Bull Infantry Division stands for a photo in the Middle East, March 20, 2024. Lukash was born in Ukraine and joined the Minnesota National Guard when she was 17. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Spc. Tyler Becker)
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Sgt. Vera Lukash, a motor transport operator with the Minnesota National Guard's 34th Red Bull Infantry Division stands for a group photo with her family. Lukash was born in Ukraine and joined the Minnesota National Guard when she was 17. (Submitted Photo)
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army)VIEW ORIGINAL
Service members join the military for a multitude of reasons such as education benefits, patriotism, and family history of service. At just 17 years old, Sgt. Vera Lukash, made the decision to join the Minnesota National Guard.
Originally from Ukraine, Lukash embarked on a journey to the United States at just five years old alongside her family, in hopes of a better life. She now calls Duluth, Minnesota, home.
“I was born in Ukraine. I moved here when I was five and I speak fluent Russian because of that,” said Lukash, the battalion operations movement manager assigned to the 34th Red Bull Infantry Division. “My brother is a year older than me and blind, we moved to the U.S. because it offers more options.”
For Lukash, family serves as a pillar of support. She draws strength from her family, who, along with her fiancé, Devin, support her in everything she does. Her spirit is further fueled by her optimism and faith as she moves forward throughout her life. She says her favorite Bible verse is Psalms 144:1, “Blessed be the Lord my Rock who trains my hands for war and my fingers for battle.”
“I always have a positive attitude about everything, and I am also a devoted Christian,” said Lukash. “Reading the Bible keeps me motivated and helps me be optimistic.”
Looking for personal and professional growth, Lukash took the opportunity to deploy with the Red Bulls, leaving her family behind for the Army-green uniform. Eager to broaden her horizons and learn more about the military, Lukash also hopes to save for her future. Before joining the Red Bulls, she served with Minnesota's 834th Aviation Support Battalion as a motor transport operator.
“I wanted to go on this deployment for the experience, I have never deployed before,” said Lukash.
Reflecting on her six-year career in the Army, Lukash says her most rewarding experience so far has been attending the Basic Leaders Course, where she learned how to be a leader. She also says serving in the military offers an opportunity for her to connect with people all over the world.
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