Elizabeth, Marine Corps Veteran, Machining Graduate

by Workshops for Warriors | Aug 28, 2020 | 2020, Student Stories

“Workshops for Warriors has helped me tremendously, and it’s rewarding knowing that we are making a difference in America and that we will be innovating and manufacturing supplies to help the American people.”

After graduating from high school in Alabama, Elizabeth moved to Ohio, where she was born, to take a year off before embarking upon her future. Seeing the Marine Corps as a “way out” of a troubled life in her hometown, Elizabeth enlisted when she was 18-years-old.

Elizabeth’s first deployment was in Okinawa, Japan where she spent three years and began her career as a Motor T Operator. She was then deployed to Korea, the Philippines, and Australia before moving to San Diego where she is currently coordinating USMC events as a protocol non-commissioned officer.

“We had an event and Hernán Luis y Prado, the CEO of Workshops for Warriors, attended and we talked about the program,” Elizabeth said. “I had the chance to tour the facility. Seeing something made from start to finish was what set me off. That’s how I ended up wanting to become a machinist.” Elizabeth enrolled in Workshops for Warriors’ machining program while nearing the end of her time as active duty.

Learning from and training with veterans and fellow service members is a “big plus” for her. “It’s huge being around people who understand – we may not be from the same background – but we have something very much in common. Your brothers and sisters in arms are right there with you.”

When asked about transitioning out of the military in October 2020 and her plans for the future, Elizabeth says, “It’s going to be bittersweet. Getting out of the military, some people have plans, and some people don’t. But I’ll have the credentials to get a suitable job. It’s a relief that I’m on the right path.”