Dena Tziouvalas
Job: Accounting Technician
Unit: 452 AMW/Travel Pay
Hometown: Moreno Valley, Calif.
Hobbies: Cooking, gardening, dancing
“My mother influenced me the most. She was my role model and taught me great values in life such as respect, love and guidance. My mother taught me to treat people with dignity and appreciation and to help them as much as I could. I learned to be courteous and to provide excellent service from her examples. She always told me to remain positive and to be thankful for all the blessings we had. Through her I learned to be a good mother and a good example for my children.”
Michelle Converse
Job: Assistant Lodging Manager
Unit: 452 FSS/March Inn
Hometown: New Orleans, La.
Hobbies: Reading, listening to music, working on graphic projects
“My mom has inspired me more than any other woman. She raised 12 children without asking for help. She never pawned us off on anyone and always knew exactly where all of us were. She raised me to be responsible for myself and not depend on others to take care of me. At the same time, she always helped others. As a result, I find myself giving most of my free time to helping others any way I can.”
Darnell Gardner
Job: Beacon Editor-in-training
Unit: 452 AMW/PA
Hometown: Petersburg, Va.
Hobbies: Spending time with my family, working out, Egyptology
“Capt. Robin Wilkening, the first female commander of an overseas naval medical research lab, influenced my military career. Firm yet compassionate, she courageously led U.S. and Egyptian DoD personnel during the Arab Uprising of 2010 without a single loss or injury. Her braving the uncertainty of the civil unrest assured me that I could handle the situation. With that, I take honor in passing on her legacy to the next generation who serves in the U.S. military, both at home and abroad.”
Dena Tziouvalas
Job: Accounting Technician
Unit: 452 AMW/Travel Pay
Hometown: Moreno Valley, Calif.
Hobbies: Cooking, gardening, dancing
“My mother influenced me the most. She was my role model and taught me great values in life such as respect, love and guidance. My mother taught me to treat people with dignity and appreciation and to help them as much as I could. I learned to be courteous and to provide excellent service from her examples. She always told me to remain positive and to be thankful for all the blessings we had. Through her I learned to be a good mother and a good example for my children.”
Michelle Converse
Job: Assistant Lodging Manager
Unit: 452 FSS/March Inn
Hometown: New Orleans, La.
Hobbies: Reading, listening to music, working on graphic projects
“My mom has inspired me more than any other woman. She raised 12 children without asking for help. She never pawned us off on anyone and always knew exactly where all of us were. She raised me to be responsible for myself and not depend on others to take care of me. At the same time, she always helped others. As a result, I find myself giving most of my free time to helping others any way I can.”
Darnell Gardner
Job: Beacon Editor-in-training
Unit: 452 AMW/PA
Hometown: Petersburg, Va.
Hobbies: Spending time with my family, working out, Egyptology
“Capt. Robin Wilkening, the first female commander of an overseas naval medical research lab, influenced my military career. Firm yet compassionate, she courageously led U.S. and Egyptian DoD personnel during the Arab Uprising of 2010 without a single loss or injury. Her braving the uncertainty of the civil unrest assured me that I could handle the situation. With that, I take honor in passing on her legacy to the next generation who serves in the U.S. military, both at home and abroad.”