This Veterans Day is a bit more special for local soldier Sgt Brandi Lanning. She is on leave back home in Crothersville, her first after two deployments to Iraq and Kuwait.
The 2002 Crothersville High School graduate enlisted in the Army shortly after graduation.
She said she plans to make the military her career.
“I am what you call a lifer in the Army,” said Lanning. “I’ll be in the Army until I retire.”
As a Signal Support Systems Specialist, she was promoted to the rank of E-5 Sergeant in June of this year.
She was first deployed to Iraq where where she was responsible for communications with MEDEVAC and Black Hawk Helicopters.
In Kuwait, she was an Information Management Officer and was called upon to fix any computer, printer or other IT problem.
Lanning says she has enjoyed the hands-on training gained in two tours of duty to the middle east.
“In my two deployments I have obtained more knowledge than many receive in 19 years of bing tradtyional guard members. I have had some great officers and NCOs (Non-Commissionerd Officers) menotr me and provide knowledge to ensure I am sucessful,” she said. “And that is good because I want to always be ready for whatever the Army throws my way.”
Lanning returned to the area Oct. 31 and is awaiting her next assignment.
