Fort Polk’s Terri Espinoza strives for sergeant rank

FORT POLK, Louisana  – 2012 seems to have picked up right where 2011 left off for the Fort Polk soldier and former Marfa resident Maria Teresa Espinoza.

Competing against a fellow soldier for the coveted title of Brigade Soldier of the Quarter for the 162d Infantry Brigade, Espinoza, a human resources specialist in the 6th Battalion, 353d Regiment S1 shop, effortlessly earned her merit.

She competed in and won two previous Battalion level Soldier of the Month awards and the Promotion boards late last year which earned her the promotable status as she strives to attain the rank of Sergeant.

Terri Espinoza

This now sets the stage for competition in the Fort Polk, Louisiana post-level competition where she will endure a grueling ruck march and land navigation competition.

Winning the Brigade level Soldier of the Quarter board has also earned Espinoza an Army Achievement medal which is worth 10 promotion points.

It is clear that Specialist Espinoza is not only striving but thriving in her chosen profession of arms; she, however, has remained true to her humble roots and credits her accomplishments and achievements not only to the strong love and support of her family, but to her stronger faith in God, which has helped her face insurmountable odds.

“I know that I wouldn’t have made it to where I am today, if it wasn’t for Him,” the former three-year graduate said, acknowledging that these are mere stepping stones for what lies ahead.

Espinoza is also currently going to college at Ashford University as a criminal justice major where she currently holds a 2.58 GPA overall. She is due to graduate next fall.