A Call To Service

Marisa Pace truly epitomizes the Armys motto of "Be all that you can be." Only 25 years old, the recent West Point graduate is serving a tour of duty that would make any American proud.
And with the encouragement and support of her family, Pace is making a difference in our nation, our world.
Pace graduated in 2001 and was commissioned to Korea for a one-year assignment a short time later.
In January 2003, the transportation officer went on to Germany for a three-year assignment that included delivering US mail to Air Force bases.
But a little more than two months after the start of her German mission, Pace was deployed to Kuwait and Iraq.
In the Middle East, Pace and her battalion were responsible for delivering foods, ammunition and water to the American fighters, a job that is pivotal to the success of our troops.
During her seven month service, Pace also helped to transport coalition forces.
"It was overall a good experience," said Pace. "There were tough times, though. There were two bad aspectsthe heat and the fact that we were always busy."
But no matter how busy she was, Pace still kept in contact with her family here in the States, sending letters and e-mail whenever possible to assure them that all was well.
She had her homecoming on October 16, and though she missed her sisters wedding last April, Pace, a native New Yorker, doesnt mind because she realizes that her duty to our country is extremely important, especially post 9/11.
Pace leaves for Germany once again this week, where she has two more years of service. "With the Christmas season coming up, were going to be really busy," said Pace.
In June 2006, her five-year commitment is up, at which point she will be able to end her tour of duty.
As yet, Pace is unsure of what she will do then, but for right now she notes, "Its really great to serve. Being from New York, its good to know Im doing something to help with the war on terrorism. Its good to feel that Ive made a difference, no matter how small."