During National Black History Month, today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran Shelia Anthony, who served two tours in Afghanistan.
Shelia Anthony joined the North Dakota Army National Guard while still a junior in high school. Since she only had two options, carpenter and cook, Anthony chose cook. After high school, Anthony transitioned to active duty Aug. 5, 1997.
While in the Army, Anthony mainly served as a culinary specialist. She worked either in garrisons or on the field and kept soldiers well fed. Anthony also served in other areas in the military, including battalion S1 non-commissioned officer in charge, S3 battle captain and in the S4 brigade food service.
Anthony’s first deployment to Afghanistan was from July 26, 2008, until June 29, 2009. She served with the Forward Support Company “Outlaws” with the 1st Infantry Division, 1-26 Infantry. Anthony served at Forward Operating Base Blessing located in Korengal Valley, one of the most dangerous areas in Afghanistan. While there, Anthony ran the dining facility, which was open 24 hours a day. On top of running the DFAC, the FOB became a major hub for supplying other bases with their rations. Bases that were close enough would come and get their own rations. Bases farther away received supplies via convoys that would come down from Jalalabad, or they received them from air drops by Black Hawk helicopters.
Anthony’s second deployment was from Jan. 13, 2011, until Jan. 12, 2012, where she served at FOB Salerno with Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC) 201st while she was still part of the 1st Infantry Division. Anthony assisted the S1 and then worked in the S3 as battle captain before she relocated to Echo Company, 2-2 Infantry.
During her service, Anthony received a Bronze Star Medal, an Army Accommodation Medal and an Army Achievement Medal.
Anthony currently lives in El Paso, Texas, where she works for the Military Veteran Peer Network as a peer support coordinator. She provides one-on-one peer support to Veterans and trains volunteers to facilitate peer support groups and meditation groups for Veterans. Anthony volunteers with the Court Appointed Special Advocates to help children who are in foster care. Anthony is also an active co-chair for the Family Advisory Council, which aims to end domestic violence in the community.
Thank you for your service!
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