#VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Kandi Sims

Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran Kandi Sims, who served a tour providing aviation support during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Kandi Sims was born and raised in the small town of Culpepper, Virginia. She never intended to join the military, but after graduating high school, Sims became a single mother who needed to provide for her family. She was afraid to join the Army in a time of war, but she persevered out of love for her daughter.

Sims joined the Army in 2005 and went to Fort Jackson, South Carolina, for basic training. She then reported to Fort Hood, Texas, for her first assignment with the 1st Cavalry Division as a motor transport operator. Afterward, she deployed to Iraq for a 15-month tour where she provided her division with aviation support.

During her service, Sims said she met many incredible people who she still keeps in touch with on a regular basis. She said her deployment also taught her a new perspective on life: to enjoy it to the fullest.

In 2009, Sims left the Army with an honorable discharge and thanks to the GI Bill attended Piedmont Virginia Community College and the Virginia School of Massage in Charlottesville, Virginia. She currently practices as a licensed practical nurse at Downtown Family Health Care in Charlottesville. Sims is happily married with two daughters, and is working towards becoming a registered nurse within the next year.

Thank you for your service!

Nominate a Veteran for #VeteranOfTheDay

Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? VA’s #VeteranOfTheDay social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.

It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. Visit our blog post about nominating to learn how to create the best submission.

Contributors

Writer: Rob Laucius

Editor: Elissa Tatum

Fact checker: Brandon Warren

Graphic artist: Austin Waters