“Growing up, I was a boxer. It was me and my older brother. We traveled around New England. We fought all over the U.S. We went to Canada, Mexico and Europe to fight. He was a standby for the U.S. Olympic team. I fought for … Continue readingIndividual aspect of bodybuilding appealing
Spa day with Layla, a Boxer-Bullmastiff mix. “I got her in Fort Hood, Texas, at one of the local shelters right outside the base. “I had just returned from my second tour in Iraq and was getting out of the Army. We just kind of … Continue readingLayla helps with post-Army life
“When you go into the military, you have this illusion that you can have it all. You can have a family. You can serve your country. You can have an amazing, fulfilling career. You know it will come with sacrifices. But you don’t know exactly … Continue readingMom rebuilding relationships after military career
“I started getting tattoos when I was 18. Luckily I had friends who knew how to do them, so I just let them experiment on me. I think the last time I got one was 2013. I have a lot of them. The only thing … Continue readingAsian heritage tattoos most meaningful
“My son, Pablo Antonio Picacio, is a first sergeant military police officer at Fort Hood. He has been ordered to put together a platoon to provide rescue efforts for those affected by the hurricane. He informed me that Fort Hood is assembling the biggest Army … Continue readingMom proud of military son’s hurricane relief efforts
“Around midnight, we suddenly came under heavy mortar and artillery fire. Generally, the Viet Cong would rain down on you before they’d try to overrun and take your position. So we were well aware that this was just the beginning of a long night for … Continue readingVietnam War hero falls on grenade for his men
“When I was sworn in, the chief of police at the time said, ‘This badge is going to get you a lot of women. But it only takes one woman to get the badge.’ And sure enough … I was amazed to find out how … Continue readingFormer police officer learns lesson the hard way
“I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1992. At the time I was thinking, I can live with this. My mom freaked out. But I told her, ‘It’s not cancer. It’s not AIDs. It’s not going to kill me. It’s going to be a pain … Continue readingMultiple sclerosis survivor doing well on her own
“My husband was in the Army for 13 years. During that time he was in Afghanistan for 12 months doing field artillery, providing cover for special forces on the border of Pakistan. He also was in Iraq for 15 months, and was like a police … Continue readingShe’s a calming influence for husband with PTSD
“I’ve always kind of followed in my older brother’s footsteps. He’s married and in the Army now, stationed at Fort Sill. He’s my biggest hero. “He’s always been there for me. Even as kids when we were being mischievous and stuff, he always had my … Continue readingHer big brother remains a lifelong protector