FORT KNOX, Ky. — The Army takes pride in the diversity of its soldiers, and this woman is making history as the first in her field.
Sgt. 1st Class Julia Puente is the medical logistics non-commissioned officer, support operations, 1st Theater Sustainment Command, making her the first Mexican-American platoon sergeant.
She makes sure all the soldiers’ paperwork is correct, ensures everyone is ready to deploy if need be and helps with making sure families are taken care of.
“When I first signed up It was for the college; I was going to do one term,” Puente said. “And I ended up loving being in the military.”
Puente started her military career 13 years ago and has been stationed in Florida, Hawaii, Maryland and, most recently, Ft. Knox.
She's just two classes away from graduating with a general studies degree with a focus on business administration. She hopes to someday become either an entrepreneur or an elementary school teacher.
“I love my job, also working with different people of different backgrounds,” Puente said.
The Chicago native's parents are from Leon Guanajuato, Mexico, but her and her siblings were born in the United States. Her family is a big inspiration to her.
“They keep me motivated,” Puente said, adding they are her “why” to continue being a role model for the soldiers in her unit and others she has served with.
Hispanic Heritage Month, to Puente, is a chance to share and educate.
“It’s keeping the culture, the language; being able to share different, other ethnicities,” she said. “’Hey, tell us about your culture.’ We all come from different backgrounds. It’s being able to, collectively, be able to share where we came from some of our traditions our food, our music and dances. It’s always a good time and it enhances the understanding of one another.”
She shared an inspirational quote in Spanish, which translates to: “If you have a dream, go after it. You can definitely accomplish anything you set your mind too.”
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