Heroes surround us on a day-to-day basis. They often go unnoticed because it’s not like what’s seen in the movies. These heroes dont wear capes or masks, although they used to wear caps and gowns.
Veteran’s Day is time to thank all who have served, including those who are currently still serving in other ways, like current Tyrone first grade teacher Victoria Isenberg, who began her professional career serving in the United States Air Force.
Isenberg grew up in Delaware attending St. Marks High School in Wilmington. She served four active years and four reserve years in the United States Air Force around 9/11.
Isenberg was just 20 old when she decided to enlist, yet found a passion for the mitliary that helped her to become the person she is today.
“I served in Texas and Alaska. My husband served in Texas, Alaska, and Afghanistan,” Isenberg said.
Isenberg likes to say that her marriage started with a bang, because she and her husband got married at the base chapel during a live ammunition training exercise.
The love and passion that consumes whatever room Isenberg is in is enough to leave anybody star-struck. It is clear she does everything with an open heart and mind along with a load of determination.
Many people would have at least one flaw to point out within any career or activity they are performing, yet Isenberg seemed to enjoy everything about her experience in the Air Force.
“I loved everything about the military: discipline, hard work, respect, and love of the country,” Isenberg said.
It is certainly overlooked how much veterans do for their country. They give away all they grew up knowing just to protect the people that surround them.
Soldiers can face immediate danger without warning upon arrival or even at some of the most inconvenient times, which is one of the first lessons new soldiers and sailors learn in basic training.
“My first experience was in the middle of the night. I got off the bus to screaming and intimidation. We were allowed little sleep, food, or bathroom time,” Isenberg said of her first few hours in the military.
Basic training may prepare one for service, but it doesn’t put one face to face with that true fear until the real battle.
War may scar a soldier’s mind, but the life-long lessons are cherished forever. Along with the knowledge that they have changed the world for the better.
According to Isenberg, she owes the military a lot because of the many life lessons it taught her.
“I am disciplined, on time, hard-working, and efficient because of my military training,” Isenberg said.
Pain, fear, complications, and so much more form people into the person they become. It’s just up to them how to utilize such things.
People have the power over their minds to allow the darkness of the world to either completely melt them down, or to somehow shine a light within said darkness which is exactly what Isenberg did.
“There seems to be a stigma surrounding those who serve,” Isenberg said. “Many veterans hold degrees and are able to keep learning due to the GI Bill. It is not just a different pathway than college.”
Although some veterans are unable to speak of the things they encountered during their times, it doesn’t belittle or reduce its importance at all.
“Veterans serve because they feel a calling to run towards danger and evil to protect our way of life, not away from it,” Isenberg said.
Veterans hold so much unseen power, without their dedication and service the United States would not be as great as it is today.
Isenberg wishes for people to know that “First responders are trained and willing to fight and protect. They don’t do this for any reward, it is a calling.”
