Single-minded.

“I remember thinking, ‘This is it. This is my opportunity to make the most of my life.’” According to Marta, the Navy Reserve is her chance to turn many of her dreams into reality. “Prior to joining, I had a lot of J-O-Bs,” she spells. “Just dead-end work to pay the bills, really. Being a single parent, it has become very important to me to have a career — to have something that I can tell others, ‘Hey, this is what I do.’ Something that I can be proud of, and something that my children can be proud of.”

Marta says her initial interest in the Navy Reserve was born on September 11, 2001. “I really felt the need to do more than just wave a flag around,” she says. “I was also looking for a place where I could utilize my skills and talents and receive recognition for my efforts. After looking into the Navy Reserve, I knew that I had found such a place.”

Marta counts Web design among her many talents. A tireless reservoir of energy and an unwavering determination to succeed must also be included. “Once I put my mind to something, there’s no stopping me,” she explains. Today, Marta works two part-time civilian jobs, and in addition to her drilling duties, she also performs Webmaster duties for her Reserve Center’s Web site. Marta is also pursuing a degree in criminal justice full-time online, and she maintains and updates two comprehensive personal Web sites daily.

One site chronicles Marta’s experiences in the Navy Reserve and gives practical advice to not only those thinking of joining the Reserve but also seasoned Navy and Navy Reserve veterans. Though not a Navy-sanctioned site, the site has received positive feedback from fellow Sailors. Marta’s other site is devoted entirely to helping out single parents.

A single parent for 12 years, Marta is determined to give her children (Lamont, 12, and Myah, 3) more opportunities than she had growing up. In fact, she recently got her son involved in the Navy League Cadets. “He thinks it’s really cool,” says Marta. “In another year, he’ll become a Sea Cadet, and that’s when he gets his full uniform. One thing he really likes is that I told him that in three or four years I’m going to get commissioned (as an Officer). I’m going to get my bachelor’s degree and become an Officer. Well, I told him that on that day, I want him to give me my first official salute. I really can’t think of anything more awesome than that.”

In her spare time (what little there is), Marta enjoys camping with her children, sewing, in-line skating and bowling with friends.

Marta lives in the Western United States.