My name is Genevieve Chase and I'm a proud member of the United States Army Reserve. I was born in Fort Campbell, Kentucky so I like to tell people that I did 18 years of involuntary service as a dependent to a service member, prior to my enlistment at the age of 25. In high school, Iwas a member of the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps and competed in Rifle, Pistol and Color Guard competitions.

Having been born to a Korean mother and attending high school at Seoul American High School at Yongsan Garrison in South Korea, I knew all too well what many people take for granted, that "Freedom is not free." I always honored in my heart, the American strangers that went to Korea just over 50 years ago and fought for"... A country they never knew and a people they never met." I know that without their sacrifices, I would not be who and where I am today.

I didn't join the military after high school. I didn't think I'd need to because our country wasn't at war. I knew if I ever heard the call to serve, I could do so when the time came. I also wondered if my upbringing had too heavily influenced my goals. I wasn't sure what I wanted to be when I grew up. So I took a break from military life and ventured out into what we call civilian or "normal" life.

When 9/11 happened, I knew beyond all doubts, that our country was going to war but I didn't sign upright away. I had just started a career as a Realtor and was making a lucrative living for a single woman in her early 20's.

But I couldn't ignore the war for long. One by one, my childhood friends were joining and deploying. To add to all that was troubling me, I realized that making a lot of money really wasn't very fun. I worked such long hours that I rarely was able to spend time with friends and family and when I could manage some time, I was never really there... I was always at work in my head. Money and being a workaholic was not fulfilling and I felt like my life had no purpose and did nothing to better anyone's life.

After much thought, consideration and research on the two conflicts, I decided in February of 2003, to enlist into the Army Reserve and go to Afghanistan. I chose the Army Reserve because I knew all-too-well what Army life could be like. I knew the military bases I could be stationed at, the assignments I might be given and that I would have no say or input. I would be used with respect to the "needs of the Army."

I also made goals. I thought about where I wanted to be in 10 years and I considered what it would take to get there. For the career I wanted in the intelligence field, I needed 1) a foreign language, 2) a college degree and 3) a deployment/experience in the intelligence field. I also knew I wanted to move to Washington D.C. because not only was that where all of the intel jobs are, but for an Army brat, it was the home of the government of the United States. I thought it would be the one place where I could feel as if I was truly "home."

The Army Reserve has been amazing and life-changing. I've managed my career, traveled the world, used tuition assistance, become a better leader, tested my strengths and pushed myself beyond all that I thought possible. More than anything, I've learned from, worked with and built friendships with people I would never have had the opportunity to.
There's so much more but the best part about all of this? ...At the end of the day,when training and missions are complete, I get to come back to MY home.

It's not an easy job and it's not meant for everyone, but it was and is the best decision I've made for myself. I'm proud of my service and I'm very much looking forward to sharing my experiences and this honor of service, with all of you.