From the Island to Greatness: The Immigrant Journey Inspired by the U.S. Army - a powerful reminder of the boundless opportunities that await those who are willing to work hard and pursue their dream

    JUNCTION CITY, KS, September 14, 2023 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Lydia Laga is a remarkable short story writer born and raised in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Her life took a significant turn when she made the courageous decision to move to the United States following the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti on 12 January 2010.

Lydia was deeply moved by the support provided by the U.S. Army during this challenging period. Their invaluable assistance left a lasting impression on her heart and mind. Witnessing the help her country received from the United States inspired Lydia to give back to the nation that had extended a helping hand when all hope was lost.

Lydia migrated from Haiti to the United States with an unwavering sense of duty and patriotism. She decided to join the U.S. Army and began her military career as a Supply Specialist in the renowned 82nd Airborne Division stationed at Fort Bragg, now known as Fort Liberty. Lydia served with distinction and dedication, showcasing her unwavering loyalty to the country.

Driven by a relentless pursuit of personal growth and a desire to make a greater impact, Lydia decided to pursue a commission as an officer in the U.S. Army. Lydia said: "January 12, 2010, represents one of the most historical dates in Haitian history. What started as a normal day for the country was about to turn into its worst nightmare. Around 1650 in the afternoon, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake shook Port-au-Prince and some of the countryside for about 43 seconds; I lived this scary moment. Once the violent shaking stopped, Port-au-Prince was wrapped in a cloud of dust. As I got out of my car, trying to figure out what was happening, I realized that most of the buildings around me had collapsed. The flame from the explosion of a nearby gas station started to grow in the blink of an eye, and the screams of people trapped under collapsed buildings started revealing the severity of the situation. It was a vision of hell. Because cell phone towers collapsed, there was no communication; therefore, no one was getting any help. With dead bodies piling up in the streets and injured people pilling up in the emergency rooms of remaining hospitals and care centers, I knew that the Haitian government, which was already struggling to provide for us, its people, was about to face its worst nightmare. Luckily, the SOUTHCOM commander at the time, LTG Keen, who was in Haiti at the Ambassador's residence during the earthquake, rapidly established Joint Task Force -Haiti (JTF-H) to provide U.S. military support to the international response through Operation Unified Response. As I learned how fast everything happens to start helping those in need, I knew I had to join this organization."

Through her unwavering commitment and hard work, Lydia successfully achieved her goal and was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army. This significant milestone allowed her to contribute to the military in a leadership capacity, utilizing her skills and experience to serve her new-found country with excellence.

Lydia has a wealth of diverse talents. In addition to her military accomplishments, she has a strong passion for writing and illustration. She recognizes the power of creativity to motivate and inspire people and has thus devoted herself to improving her writing and illustration skills. Currently, she is working on her second fiction short storybook, infusing each page with her imagination and storytelling abilities. Lydia embodies the qualities of resilience, service, and creativity. Her journey from Haiti to the United States and her subsequent military service reflect her deep commitment to making a positive impact in the world. As an officer in the U.S. Army, she continues to leave her mark through artistic pursuits and steadfast service to her second home country. We eagerly await the release of her second short storybook and can't wait to read it.

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