Tuberville Honors Susan Shapiro of New Market as December "Veteran of the Month"

Tuberville Honors Susan Shapiro of New Market as December "Veteran of the Month"

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) released a video honoring U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Susan Shapiro as the December "Veteran of the Month."

"The holidays are a great reminder of the joy that comes from giving of our time and talents. It's also a time to reflect on those like Lieutenant Colonel Susan Shapiro of New Market, Alabama, who are willing to spend holidays away from loved ones so that we can celebrate in peace with ours.

Susan grew up in a military family. Her father was a Master Sergeant in the Air Force, and many of her four older siblings either served themselves or are military spouses. Susan decided to join herself in 1989 as a means to pay for her college. However, this decision led to more than two decades of service. While in basic training in California, Susan met her husband-and fellow Army veteran-Jeff. They later welcomed their son, Trent.

But before fighting on the battlefield abroad, she had to defeat a battle here at home: breast cancer. And that she did. Just three years after defeating cancer, Susan deployed to the Middle East to serve with the Headquarters Company Command and fight in the war on terror. While she was overseas, she connected deeply with two other women-her "battle buddies" as she calls them-Tammy and Sabine. One of her fondest memories of her time in Iraq is when her team members coordinated a Cancer Walk with her entire Command as her family members back in the states did a Cancer Walk of their own.

Susan also played a key part in Redstone Arsenal's Missile Defense Agency until her retirement in 2013. She now spends most of her time with her friends and family and rescuing animals in need of a home.

As we enter into this holiday season, I am honored to recognize Susan Shapiro as the December 'Veteran of the Month.'"

Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans' Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.