{"id":14890,"date":"2025-02-28T17:02:18","date_gmt":"2025-03-01T01:02:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/laverne.edu\/news\/?p=14890"},"modified":"2025-03-18T15:02:38","modified_gmt":"2025-03-18T22:02:38","slug":"ulv-military-veteran-student-honored-as-hero","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/laverne.edu\/news\/2025\/02\/28\/ulv-military-veteran-student-honored-as-hero\/","title":{"rendered":"ULV Military Veteran Student Honored as Hero"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Maria Estrada \u201925 never imagined that her military journey would one day lead her to center ice at Crypto.com Arena, but on March 15, she will be honored as the Hero of the Game during ULV Night at the LA Kings. With more than 150 University of La&nbsp;Verne alumni, students, faculty, and staff cheering her on, Estrada\u2019s story of service, resilience, and dedication will take the spotlight.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>A Lifetime of Service<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Estrada\u2019s military career spans 21 years, beginning in the United States Air Force in 2000. She completed two combat deployments\u2014one in Qatar during Operation Enduring Freedom, where she provided aircraft security, and another in Iraq as a convoy gunner for Operation Iraqi Freedom.<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-14891 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/laverne.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/02\/Maria-Estrada-Photo.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"338\" height=\"253\" srcset=\"https:\/\/laverne.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/02\/Maria-Estrada-Photo.jpg 720w, https:\/\/laverne.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/02\/Maria-Estrada-Photo-405x304.jpg 405w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 338px) 100vw, 338px\" \/> Transitioning to the Army National Guard in 2007, she served another 15 years, completing two more combat tours and advancing into leadership roles, including team leader and military police instructor. As one of the few women in combat roles, she faced unique challenges, often being the only female in her unit.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I didn\u2019t want to be seen differently just because I was a woman,&#8221; she shared. &#8220;I worked hard to prove myself, and I took on every challenge with the same determination as my male counterparts.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Her service earned her several commendations, including the Combat Order of the Spur and the Non-Article 5 NATO Medal for her contributions to international security efforts in Afghanistan.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Finding Purpose Beyond the Military<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>For many veterans, transitioning from military life to civilian life presents a unique set of challenges. Estrada understands this all too well.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAfter 21 years in the military, you spend so much time in a structured, mission-driven world that when you step out, it\u2019s like, \u2018Now what?\u2019\u201d she said. \u201cYou\u2019re trying to find your purpose and your place, and it\u2019s really hard.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Estrada credits her military experience with shaping her leadership and academic approach at ULV. Her years as a military instructor provided her with a strong foundation in leadership and teaching, which she now applies in both the classroom and her work at the Center for Veteran Student Success. She is often the one to step in and lead group projects, ensuring everyone has a role or support.<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-14893 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/laverne.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/02\/Maria-Estrada-e1740790877228-992x893.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"282\" height=\"254\" srcset=\"https:\/\/laverne.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/02\/Maria-Estrada-e1740790877228-992x893.jpg 992w, https:\/\/laverne.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/02\/Maria-Estrada-e1740790877228-1200x1080.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/laverne.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/02\/Maria-Estrada-e1740790877228-768x691.jpg 768w, https:\/\/laverne.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/02\/Maria-Estrada-e1740790877228-405x365.jpg 405w, https:\/\/laverne.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/02\/Maria-Estrada-e1740790877228.jpg 1282w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 282px) 100vw, 282px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Understanding the difficulties of transitioning to civilian and student life, Maria encourages other veterans to be patient with themselves and seek support when needed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cTransitioning into college isn\u2019t easy. You have to give yourself a lot of grace. College can feel overwhelming at times, but just like in the military, you have a mission. Stay focused, ask for help, and lean on the people around you,&#8221; she advises.<\/p>\n<p>She emphasizes the importance of persistence, treating education as a mission, and utilizing veteran resources to build a sense of community. Balancing her studies while raising two children, Maria has also learned the importance of structure and self-care.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Having a system is key. No one tells you when to study or when to take a break\u2014you have to build that discipline yourself,&#8221; she says.<\/p>\n<p>She approaches her coursework with the same strategic mindset she applied in the military, ensuring she remains committed to her goals while also serving as a mentor to younger students navigating their own academic journeys.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cCollege is a stepping stone to what they\u2019re going to do next in life, and I remind them that we\u2019re all in this together.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2>A Moment of Recognition<\/h2>\n<p>Being selected as the Hero of the Game is a humbling experience for Maria, who sees it as an opportunity to represent not only veterans but also women in the military. She hopes her story will inspire others to pursue their ambitions, proving that leadership, service, and resilience extend far beyond the battlefield.<\/p>\n<p>Her guiding principle, \u201cCharlie Mike\u2014Continue the Mission,\u201d reflects her belief in lifelong learning and perseverance. As she steps onto the ice on March 15, the recognition will be a testament to her unwavering commitment to service and community.<\/p>\n<p>This honor holds even greater significance as it falls during Women\u2019s History Month, a time to recognize the contributions of women who have paved the way in fields traditionally dominated by men. Maria\u2019s journey exemplifies the courage and resilience of women in the military, demonstrating that leadership knows no gender. Her story is a powerful reminder of the impact women continue to make in shaping history and inspiring future generations.<\/p>\n<h2><em>Hero of the Game<\/em><\/h2>\n<div id=\"gallery-desc\" class=\"sr-only\">Gallery of Images<\/div>\n<div role=\"complementary\" id=\"gallery-1\" class=\"gallery galleryid-14890 gallery-columns-4 gallery-size-thumbnail gallery-format-thumbnails gallery-float-left\" aria-labelledby=\"main-title gallery-desc\">\n\t<div role=\"dialog\" id=\"gallery-1-frame\" class=\"gallery-frame\">\n\t\t<div class=\"gallery-frame-wrap\">\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"gallery-item\" data-attachment-id=\"14935\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"gallery-img\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"536\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/laverne.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/02\/54391774428_e381f0ce1f_c.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" gallery_frame=\"gallery-1-frame\" srcset=\"https:\/\/laverne.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/02\/54391774428_e381f0ce1f_c.jpg 536w, https:\/\/laverne.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/02\/54391774428_e381f0ce1f_c-515x768.jpg 515w, https:\/\/laverne.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/02\/54391774428_e381f0ce1f_c-271x405.jpg 271w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 536px) 100vw, 536px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery-item\" data-attachment-id=\"14934\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"gallery-img\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/laverne.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/02\/54391729369_3a45cafcb4_c.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" gallery_frame=\"gallery-1-frame\" srcset=\"https:\/\/laverne.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/02\/54391729369_3a45cafcb4_c.jpg 800w, https:\/\/laverne.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/02\/54391729369_3a45cafcb4_c-768x384.jpg 768w, https:\/\/laverne.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/02\/54391729369_3a45cafcb4_c-405x203.jpg 405w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery-item\" data-attachment-id=\"14933\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"gallery-img\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"521\" height=\"389\" src=\"https:\/\/laverne.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/02\/54391775623_a70f075b8a_c-e1742335274484.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" gallery_frame=\"gallery-1-frame\" srcset=\"https:\/\/laverne.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/02\/54391775623_a70f075b8a_c-e1742335274484.jpg 521w, https:\/\/laverne.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/02\/54391775623_a70f075b8a_c-e1742335274484-405x302.jpg 405w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 521px) 100vw, 521px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" role=\"button\" class=\"nav-control next\" aria-label=\"Next image\"><span class=\"fas fa-arrow-circle-right\"><\/span><\/a>\n\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" role=\"button\" class=\"nav-control prev\" aria-label=\"Previous image\"><span class=\"fas fa-arrow-circle-left\"><\/span><\/a>\n\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" role=\"button\" class=\"close\" aria-label=\"Close gallery lightbox\"><span class=\"fas fa-times-circle\"><\/span><\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"gallery-nav\" data-column-break=\"4\">\n\t\t<div class=\"item-wrap\">\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"gallery-item\" data-attachment-id=\"14935\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"gallery-icon portrait\">\n\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/laverne.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/02\/54391774428_e381f0ce1f_c.jpg\" aria-haspopup=\"true\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"gallery-1-frame\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/laverne.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/02\/54391774428_e381f0ce1f_c-200x200.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery-item\" data-attachment-id=\"14934\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"gallery-icon landscape\">\n\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/laverne.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/02\/54391729369_3a45cafcb4_c.jpg\" aria-haspopup=\"true\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"gallery-1-frame\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/laverne.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/02\/54391729369_3a45cafcb4_c-200x200.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery-item\" data-attachment-id=\"14933\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"gallery-icon landscape\">\n\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/laverne.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/02\/54391775623_a70f075b8a_c-e1742335274484.jpg\" aria-haspopup=\"true\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"gallery-1-frame\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/laverne.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/02\/54391775623_a70f075b8a_c-e1742335274484-200x200.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Maria Estrada \u201925, a 21-year military veteran, will be honored as the Hero of the Game at the LA Kings&#8217; ULV Night on March 15. Discover her incredible journey from combat tours to supporting veteran students at ULV.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":163,"featured_media":14892,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1549],"tags":[2034,9901],"class_list":["post-14890","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news-and-events","tag-hp","tag-military-connected","ulv_author-university-of-la-verne"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v23.8 (Yoast SEO v23.8) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>ULV Military Veteran Student Honored as Hero | University of La Verne<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Maria Estrada \u201925, a 21-year military veteran, will be honored as the Hero of the Game at the LA Kings&#039; ULV Night on March 15. 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