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CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait (December 10, 2008) - What
would make a big decision like joining the Army a little easier?
Maybe if dad was there.
Alicia Bunch's father, Brig. Gen. Harold G. Bunch, deputy
commanding general, 1st Sustainment Command (Theater), made sure he
was a part of his daughter's commissioning Dec. 10, even if he was
in Kuwait.
"This is my fourth deployment since [my daughter] was born,"
said Harold. "I missed her graduation because I was over here
commanding a brigade in 2004, and I missed her college graduation
this year because I was over here, so it was gratifying to be able
to do the commissioning."
This may have been a proud moment for Harold, his wife, Lauren,
and daughter, but not necessarily a surprise.
"I have spent my whole life around the military," said Alicia.
"My father, brother, grandparents, cousin and great uncles all
served in the military."
Alicia followed in her father's footsteps in one other way. Her
father was commissioned the same day 32 years earlier.
"It was good to be able to commission her on the same day,"
Harold said. "I'm sure my service had something to do with her
decision to join."
"I believe it takes a certain type of person to be a Soldier in
the Army, and I know I am that type of person," said Alicia
Alicia agrees her father's career had something to do with her
choice to become an officer, but joining the military takes more
than mere appreciation for the job.
"The military has been a big part of my life for my entire
life," said Alicia. "I would spend many weekends at his reserve
unit observing what he did."
Alicia feels that it was more than just a Familty tradition that
called her into the service.
"I believe I was born with the desire and will to serve our
country," explained Alicia.
Alicia joined the Army Reserves, though her father thinks she
one day will switch to active duty.
"I think, just knowing her, she'll end up going active duty once
she finishes her training and degress," said Harold.
Along with her desire to serve, Alicia has a plan for her
service that could potentially surpass her father's.
"It is my intent that my military career and continued education
will lead me to becoming a nurse practitioner or a nurse
anesthesiologist," said Alicia. "I wish to obtain one of these
degrees and continue with my military career as long as I am
physically able to."
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