Thank You for Your Service, Rosa Snaric

GREENVILLE, S.C. (WSPA) – Rosa Snaric is an active Army reservist. Her journey into the military started on June 17, 1998.

“I always wanted to serve my community, and do something bigger than myself,” Snaric told 7 NEWS.

So she enlisted.

Her instructor was a woman, who Snaric said she admired.

“Throughout my experience, I’ve been one of the only females in the room,” said Snaric.

A moment that would eventually come full circle, when Snaric became an officer.

“When I deployed, I also was in charge,” Snaric said. “I actually had three separate platoons at three different F.O.B.s or Fort Operating Bases. And so they all reported to me from different locations in Iraq.”

The deployment followed the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Snaric said it was a big duty.

“I enjoyed leading and I enjoyed being there and given that opportunity, but also your duty is to make sure that they’re safe,” Snaric explained. And so your priority is always like, ok, what am I doing to make sure everyone under my command is safe?”

Sometimes in combat, Snaric said it wasn’t always obvious.

“You just have that moment where you’re like, ok, we’re gonna either survive this or not, but we’re gonna rely on our training and, and hope for the best,” she shared.

After her deployment, Snaric re-branched into public affairs.

“Now I’m actually at Fort Jackson again and I’m training the Captain’s Career Course,” Snaric said. “So I’m teaching the new captains in the field, how to take and prepare for taking a command.”

She splits her time there and back home here in the Upstate where she uses her degree in Marriage and Family therapy to help veterans.

“I love working with that population and then I can offer them a different view from therapy from just being deployed and being in the military and understanding,” said Snaric.

Snaric said she typically receives connections through resources like Upstate Warrior Solution.

“If the Veterans Affairs office is full and they can’t take any more clients, we will also help them and take their clients too,” said Snaric.

That, on top of being a full-time mom of four, Snaric keeps busy but said there’s a lot of work to do.

“I think that people know that their services are there now,” Snaric explained. “I think it’s more about encouraging them to go get the support too.”

Snaric encourages the same for women in the field.

“I think what you, what you want to mentor younger leaders, especially female is to speak up. To let your voice be heard,” she said. “It’s important to know what you’re going through and what you’re experiencing.”

Proving anything is possible.

Rosa Snaric, Thank You for Your Service.

To nominate a veteran like Snaric to be featured in our ‘Thank You for Your Service series,’ click here.

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