by Latawnya Dia, FSA public affairs specialist
Jennifer Geel is a Farm Loan Technician in Machias, Maine
After graduating from high school, Jennifer Geel, a farm loan technician in Machias, Maine, joined the U.S. Army as an enlisted soldier.
“I really didn’t know what I wanted to do when I graduated from high school,” said Jennifer. Although her mother was very nervous about her enlisting in the armed forces, her father had served in the Air Force and supported her decision. In fact, Jennifer was quite accustomed to military life.
“I was a military brat from ages 7 to 15,” said Jennifer. “My stepfather was in the Navy. It just seemed natural for me to serve my country.”
Jennifer, as with most recruits who are military brats, thought she was prepared for the military, even after her basic training in Fort Jackson, S.C.; however, not much could really prepare her for what she experienced in Desert Storm. She was stationed with the Patriot Missile Battery and while she was on guard duty the patriot missile shot down a scud missile.
That was one of the scariest moments in my life,” Jennifer said. “Everyone’s experience is different, whether they serve during a war or in peace. This was too close for comfort for me.”
But looking back on her four-year tour in the Army, Jennifer is glad she enlisted. She credits the military for helping her become an organized person with a structured lifestyle.
“The military taught me to take care of myself and become more independent while working together as a team, if that makes any sense. You can be independent and self-sufficient, yet pull your weight on the team.”
Jennifer got out of the Army as a specialist E4 and served from 1988 to 1992 as a supply specialist. She served at Fort Jackson, S.C.; one year at Camp Coiner in South Korea; Fort Bliss, Texas,and in Desert Storm in Saudi Arabia from October 1990 through March 1991.
When asked if she would do it again, she replied, “I would definitely serve my country again if I were younger and not married.”
