Army Specialist Shemeka McNair joined the military in 2001 out of Jackson, Mississippi to serve and protect her country, and because she wanted to make a difference in her life by making a difference in the lives of others.
Assigned to the 101st Airborne Division, Specialist McNair’s unit was often assigned to move in behind infantry forces. While deployed in Iraq, they faced many attacks from bombs, grenades and missiles. The constant threats to her life caused a severe strain.
Specialist McNair suffers from severe PTSD, chronic migraines, major depression disorder and lower back injuries.
For her service to her country, Specialist McNair has been awarded the Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Bar (2x), Air Assault Badge and the Driver and Mechanic Badge.
Specialist McNair and her daughter received a home in Florida.