Name: Renee (Ward) Ventrice, CTR2, US Navy Veteran
Graduation Year: 1988
High School: Bellevue East
In what branch(es) of the military did you serve? Navy
Military Years of Service: 6
War Service: Gulf War

How did your experiences as a student prepare you for your military career?
Being a cheerleader in high school taught me about teamwork, identifying and leveraging individual strengths to achieve the mission, and respect for rank. Being a student in high school taught me how to fall asleep while appearing to be awake, a VERY important skill when working a 12 hour overnight shift in the military!

What advice would you give current students and/or fellow alumni who are considering a career in the military?
Choose a military job that fits your talents and passions. Even if there isn't a direct fit, consider how the skills you will learn are transferable to what you could see yourself doing in a post-military world. And- absolutely use your GI Bill to get your associates degree- at a minimum- while you are still on active duty.

Any other words of wisdom or stories you'd like to share?
Wherever you are stationed, learn the language, embrace the culture, and bring home memories that you can't buy at the PX.