FORT EUSTIS, Va. –
It was Sept. 11, 2001 when U.S. Army Sgt. LaRita Fullwood witnessed on television a series of coordinated suicide attacks upon New York City and at the Pentagon in Washington D.C.
These tragic events set Fullwood on a path she never could have imaged.
Fullwood, then a Hampton University student, made a decision to join the U.S. Army Reserves.
"The attacks on America did something for me," she said. "The country at that time was at its lowest point and I somehow wanted to get involve and show my support."
Fullwood, who is currently assigned to 7th Sustainment Brigade as the chaplain assistant noncommissioned officer in charge, is a native of Hampton, Va. and no stranger to the military. Her uncle was drafted during the Vietnam War, while other family members served as Army officers. But it was the unfortunate events of 911 that inspired her to volunteer and serve her country.
She first joined as a supply reservist, and upon completion of basic training and the Army Advanced Individual Training, Fullwood embarked on the first of three tours to Iraq, starting with Camp Liberty, Baghdad.
It was the very first time Fullwood was away from home.
"At first, it was a traumatic experience," she said. "I was without my family and all I had to depend on was my faith in God, prayer and my unit to help me get through the deployment. This was something new for me but I knew I could get through it."
According to Fullwood her first tour to Iraqi really helped her appreciate the simple conveniences of everyday life. Not only was it her first time leaving home, but it was her first time being out of the country. She saw the world from a different perspective, which helped her gain a greater respect for being an American.
Fullwood said she would attend the chaplain services downrange and draw inspiration from her Christian faith and religious experiences. She often imagined being at her home church with family. She enjoyed singing and got involved with the gospel choir, which eventually led her to becoming an Army chaplain assistant.
"I always had a love for the ministry of music and helps, and during the deployment, I met an Army Chaplain who allowed me to volunteer and assist with various services and duties."
This was an unexpected opportunity for Fullwood, who enjoyed volunteering with the Chaplains. It also opened up other doors for her to share her musical talent.
"Singing is my passion," she said. "I love directing the choir and sharing my gifts and talents with others. I often would get involved with various worship services and volunteer. It really sparked my interest in chaplain services. My thing was I love helping people and this was perfect for me."
Shortly thereafter, she returned from Iraq and changed her Military Occupation Specialty from supply to chaplain assistant, and transferred to activity duty.
Fullwood then followed up with an assignment to Fort Hood, Texas, but within months she was sent back to Iraq to serve as a chaplain assistant.
During her second deployment to KirKuk, Iraq, she was given a hands-on opportunity to work in her new MOS.
Chaplains assistants provide much need support to the chaplains during missions and everyday activities. Their primary purpose is to provide support for the unit ministry team programs and worship services.
Fullwood said she really enjoyed humanitarian missions.
"My second tour was so exciting because I took advantage of the training and opportunities to work with so many services as well as planning humanitarian missions."
During the Iraqi election, she would participate in several convoys throughout Iraq delivering food, clothes and other necessities to Iraqi civilians and those who were in need.
"Not only was I responsible for humanitarian missions, I also conducted memorial services for deceased Soldiers," Fullwood said. "This was often difficult to do because I also helped organize memorial services for Soldiers I served with in Iraq."
Tragedy came too soon for Fullwood when a Soldier in her unit was sent home early for in processing and was killed during the November 2009 Fort Hood shootings.
"It really hit home for me when I found out she was killed," Fullwood said. "It impacted the entire unit and my life significantly. However, I had the honor of organizing her memorial service in Iraq. It was a trying time but we all got through it all."
Fullwood said her faith and family has sustained her throughout her Army career. Later she left Fort Hood in 2010 and reported to Fort Eustis. But five months later she was sent packing for a third tour to Joint Base Balad, Iraq.
"I knew people were praying for me. My journey for the past 11 years has been a great but challenging one but I'm thankful to be able to serve my country and other Soldiers," she said. "My passion for people and service is so fulfilling. After every deployment I've learned so much about being a chaplain assistant. It's one of the best jobs in the Army."
Last month she placed third in Operation Rising Star - a singing competition that offers Soldiers and their family members an opportunity to reach their dreams of becoming a recording artist.
For now, Fullwood is focused on completing her college education, becoming an Army officer and one day raising a family.
"I just want to encourage my peers to take full advantage of career benefits. Never give up on your goals," she said. "With every door that opens work hard and discipline yourself to be the best Soldier you can. Stay committed to faith, family and service and you will be prosperous."