Teacher resumes military stint

A Yuma teacher who put down her books, laced up her combat boots and joined the Arizona National Guard is now serving in Kandahar, Afghanistan.  

Spc. Alejandra Alvarado, 48, previously worked as a computer teacher at Rancho Viejo and Salida Del Sol elementary schools.

"This deployment is very special for Alvarado, who previously served three years in the Army Reserve," said U.S. Army spokeswoman Ashley A. Michael. "Nearly 20 years after Alvarado left the Army, she still felt compelled to serve her country."

Alvarado said she chose to return to the military "because I have always wanted to finish my military career, but as the years went by, I thought it would be impossible to do because I was in my 40s."  

But she says "something wonderful" happened in early 2006 that led to back to military life.

"I was having lunch with our school librarian, and we were talking about our life’s wishes and the subject of my previous service came up," Alvarado told the Yuma Sun during a recent phone interview. "I expressed to her that I would have loved the chance to finish my military career, but I was too old and I would never have that opportunity. Lo and behold, about two or three weeks later, I received a postcard in the mail about joining the National Guard. My dream became a reality."

She was sworn into the National Guard on April 3, 2006, for a six-year contract.

As a human resources specialist, Alvarado is responsible for providing assistance to her fellow soldiers, including processing the paperwork for promotions, leave requests and training programs. She also helps to ensure that her soldiers’ families are provided for while they are away.

Alvarado told the Yuma Sun that Afghanistan reminds her of Yuma. "I like it here. The weather is like Yuma, and the sand, too, definitely the sand," she said, laughing. However, she noted, "The smell is different."

She was deployed last fall and is scheduled to return this coming winter. This is her first deployment overseas, but she said she hopes it won't be the last.

However, Alvarado, a mother of three adult children, said she misses her grandkids, students and friends. Being so far away has been challenging. "I'm a very independent person, but I'm realizing how my loved ones are so, so far away.

"Speaking to my three beautiful children and five grandchildren is definitely treasured. I am a very proud mother and an even prouder ‘Nani,’ as my grandchildren call me. They know that I love them and I will be coming home soon.”

It's also challenging to talk to her loved ones. "It's hard to call out. The connection isn't always good. I could be explaining something and get cut off in the middle of the conversation."

Alvarado said her deployment has taught her "to treasure some of life’s simple pleasures, like making phone calls and taking bubble baths."

Aside from taking a long, hot bubble bath, she already knows what she wants to do when she comes home.

“When I return from deployment I will go home to Yuma. I love our beautiful sunsets. I will resume my studies at Arizona Western College. I have a few more classes to finish before I graduate with my bachelor's in elementary education. I do plan on teaching when I return to Yuma, and I can’t wait to see all of my wonderful family and friends."

When asked if she had a message for anyone, she said, "Hello to all my friends at the schools. Thank you for your support."