WASHINGTON – Saluted as a warrior on the homefront and overseas, retired Army Lt. Col. Susan Shapiro has been named December “Veteran of the Month” by U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville.
“The holidays are a great reminder of the joy that comes from giving of our time and talents,” Tuberville (R-Auburn) said in a video. “It’s also a time to reflect on those like Lt. Col. Susan Shapiro of New Market, who are willing to spend holidays away from loved ones so that we can celebrate in peace with ours.”
Growing up in a military family – her father was a master sergeant in the Air Force, and many of her four older siblings either served or are military spouses – Shapiro joined in 1989 to help pay for college, Tuberville said.
“However, this decision led to more than two decades of service,” he said. “While in basic training in California, Susan met her husband — and fellow Army veteran — Jeff. They later welcomed their son, Trent.”
Then, before fighting on the battlefield abroad, she had to defeat a battle here at home: breast cancer, Tuberville said.
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,” he said. “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.”
Shapiro worked at the Missile Defense Agency on Redstone Arsenal 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,” Tuberville said.
“As we enter into this holiday season, I am honored to recognize Susan Shapiro as the December ‘Veteran of the Month.’”
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