Military service can shape a person in profound ways. For Wanda Gail Collins, a Kansas Army veteran, her time in uniform spanned two distinct chapters and totaled 18 years of service. Her story, marked by resilience, courage, and a deep sense of duty, reflects both the challenges and triumphs experienced by many who serve. From her early days in the Army during the 1970s to her later years in the Kansas Army National Guard, Collins’s journey is one of perseverance and pride. Her experience offers insight into the life of a female veteran and highlights the evolving culture within the military.

Collins’s decision to enlist was deeply personal. Inspired by her father, a World War II veteran, she joined the Army in 1975, determined to follow in his footsteps. According to Collins, she admired her father greatly and wanted to emulate his service. Her career began as an ammunition storage specialist, a role that required her to manage the shipping, receiving, and inspection of everything from small arms to missiles. The work was hands-on and physically demanding, but Collins embraced it. She explained that while she could have opted for a desk job, her preference for outdoor work and physical tasks made this specialty a natural fit.

Her time at Fort Stewart in Georgia was notable not only for her technical training but also for her trailblazing accomplishments. Collins, alongside another female soldier, became one of the first two women to complete guerrilla warfare training with the 5th Special Forces Group. This achievement was significant during a time when women in the armed forces were still fighting for equal recognition and opportunity. It’s a detail I found striking, as it underscores both her determination and the barriers she helped break down.

However, not all aspects of her early military service were positive. When she was stationed in Germany, Collins endured persistent sexual harassment from colleagues. She openly shared that this experience left lasting scars and contributed to her ongoing struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Her willingness to speak about this painful chapter adds an important layer to her story, highlighting the challenges many women in the military have faced, particularly in past decades. Collins’s honesty brings attention to the need for continued efforts to ensure safe and respectful environments for all service members.

After six years, Collins left the Army and returned to civilian life in Wichita, Kansas. But her story didn’t end there. Years later, she felt the pull to serve again and reenlisted—this time with the Kansas Army National Guard. Her second chapter in the military marked a turning point. With more experience and a stronger sense of self, Collins approached her service with a clear message: she would not tolerate disrespect. She noted that this assertiveness earned her the respect of her peers and allowed her to contribute meaningfully without the harassment she had previously endured.

During her 12 years with the National Guard, Collins served as a semi truck driver, a role that once again allowed her to work with her hands and stay active. She was preparing for deployment to Iraq when a knee injury brought her military career to an end. In 2005, she retired with the rank of sergeant. Despite the hardships she faced early on, Collins expressed no regrets about her service. She believes the military instilled values that remain with her to this day—independence, discipline, and resilience.

Her story is a powerful example of how veterans often carry both pride and pain from their time in uniform. It also reflects broader themes within the veteran community, including the evolving role of women in the military and the long-term impact of service-related trauma. For those considering military service or looking to understand the veteran experience, Collins’s journey offers valuable perspective.

Stories like Wanda Gail Collins’s are essential to recognizing the diverse paths veterans take and the sacrifices they make. Her dual service in both the Army and the Kansas Army National Guard, her trailblazing accomplishments, and her candid reflections on adversity all contribute to a fuller understanding of what it means to serve. For those interested in honoring veterans in their own community, there are opportunities to submit nominations and share these important narratives.

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