Scarlett’s war diaries: A US soldier blogs from her tour of duty
Scarlett Martinez, 28, works on her fashion designs while stationed in Kuwait.
Hello everyone, I am Sergeant Scarlett Martinez, a soldier from the US Army. I am currently overseas in Kuwait serving on my second tour. I’m also a fashion designer. Many people ask me, “How do you do it”? How do I switch from being an American soldier, wearing combat boots, and then putting on my heels and strutting down a catwalk?
This tour is quite different from my first deployment in 2006. This time, I am the mother of a beautiful baby girl that is awaiting my return next year. Well, let me correct myself; she is now a little woman. That’s exactly what Amaia says to me, “Mami I am not a baby, I am a “lil’ woman.” She is 4 years old.
My first deployment in Iraq was an experience that many women in the military don’t get the opportunity to have. I was attached to an infantry company and I was trained as one. Although females aren’t allowed to hold the title of infantryman or Military Occupation Specialist, we are still a great asset for the job. I did patrols, dismounts, mounted patrols, served as a gunner, as well as a Team Commander. During both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom I was trained as a Military Police and as a Female Engagement Team (FET) to the infantry. Throughout both tours I worked as a FET and I was able to earn the trust of many male soldiers that worked with me on the front lines. That’s hard to come by as it is rare for a female to get that level of acceptance from her fellow male soldiers.
During my first tour in 2006, I had an incident with Al-Qaida and the Taliban while overseeing the detainees. My left eye was hit, causing me to lose 50% of my vision. I have not let it affect me and I refuse to use it as an excuse in life. I have always believed God has a reason for all things in life. I am grateful to be alive, with a healthy mindset and good vision. I then came back and had my daughter Amaia. It was the perfect Mother’s day gift.
Iam currently doing a mission of Force Protection. I am Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of the command cell here at the Forward Operating Base. As force protection, I oversee all suspicious activities around the outer and inner perimeter of the base. It’s my job to make sure all gates are secure. Security is always high on the priority list. I also am still a FET so if any mission comes up I am available to join.
Once I finish this tour in January 2013, I will be back in the States to launch my long-awaited fashion show “Scarlett’s G Fashion Line: Live in Florida.” Back home in Florida, I studied Fashion Marketing and Design. I have been working on my designs here in Kuwait. I even brought my mannequin with me. It took a lot of convincing but finally, they let me bring it. Until next time!
Scarlett’s mannequin made it to Kuwait, where she spends most of her free time working on her fashion line.
