A 2018 graduate from Middle Tennessee State University committed to serving her state and country by enlisting in the Tennessee Army National Guard as a financial management technician on July 15.

Spc. Chisom Ugwu, who lives in Franklin, will attend 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, on October 25. There, she will learn basic warrior tasks that will earn her the title of “Soldier.” She then will attend an additional 10 weeks of Advanced Individual Training at Fort Jackson to learn her job specialty.

Upon graduation, she will be assigned to Nashville’s 1128th Financial Management Detachment.

“I have a degree in economics, and I’ve wanted the chance to utilize that skill set,” said Ugwu.

She immigrated from Nigeria to the United States in 2014 and has been living in the Tennessee for seven years.

“Ever since I immigrated to the U.S., this country has provided me with opportunities I could only dream of,” said Ugwu. “It is the honor of a lifetime to serve alongside other fine service members in the greatest military force in modern history.”

Seeing female Soldiers in the U.S. Army has inspired Ugwu to serve her country she now calls home.

“The grit and passion I see in servicewomen is so empowering to witness,” said Ugwu. “I thought to myself, what an honor it would be to serve the United States with such extraordinary individuals.”

Ugwu plans to expand her career opportunities in the military and eventually work within the intelligence field.

Spc. Chisom Ugwu, a Middle Tennessee State University graduate who resides in Franklin, enlisted in the Tennessee Army National Guard on July 15. She will attend Basic Combat Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, on September 15. (Submitted Photo)

All Tennessee Army and Air National Guard press releases can be found on tn.gov.