U.S. Army Maj. Vondalyn Simmons, serves as a clinical nurse officer-in-charge at the McDonald Army Health Center at Fort Eustis, Va. Since enlisting in the Army in August 1988, the Charleston, S.C., native said she has been "living the dream." She joined the Army with hopes of serving her country and pursuing off-duty education, following four of her siblings. After completing her active-duty enlistment, she took advantage of her G.I. Bill benefits and attended the Medical University of South Carolina while serving in the Army Reserve. Upon graduating with a bachelor of science in nursing degree, she was granted a direct commission into the Army Nurse Corps. (Courtesy photo)