Army Veteran, and winning Miss Gilbert is a dream come true, for I have dreamed for a long time.

The Rogue Interview Show

I decided to join the Army as an enlisted Military Police Officer, (MP) In my second week in basic training, I fell and landed on my head. After many scans and evaluations, I was diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury. I also had long-term and short-term memory loss and aphasia (not remembering words). I forgot who my date was for prom, where I spent my 16th birthday and so many other important memories. It was a challenge to adapt through, but even then I overcame and still was able to graduate basic training. After I left the service, I became very involved in the community, speaking about my experience in the military and advocating for our country. But after a tragic event in my life, I was left homeless with nowhere to go. That’s when F.I.S.H. – (Friends in Service of Heroes,) stepped in and helped me find furniture and money for food. I promised myself that when I was on my feet I would give back to the same organization that helped me. I moved back to my home state (Arizona) and opened my local chapter, now I can spread the giving heart of F.I.S.H. to all deserving veterans here in the valley. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paco-baltazar/support