"They wanted to prove that we could be as tough as the males, so they worked us pretty hard." (Video interview, 2:20)

Joanne D. Palella

Joanne Palella, 2003 War: Persian Gulf War, 1990-1995 Branch: Army Unit: VII Corps, Manheim, Germany Division Service Location: United States; Germany; Persian Gulf Highest Rank: E-5 Place of Birth: Chicago, IL

A troubled teenager growing up in suburban Chicago, Joanne Palella decided that the U.S. Army would offer some structure in her life. The Army trained her as a truck driver, a specialist in ammunition and explosives, and a military police officer, skills she employed when she served in the Persian Gulf War. Now a civilian teacher, Palella is grateful for the education she received while serving her country.