“I had always been interested in the sciences,
so the career choice of Forensic Scientist was not
surprising, but the decision to work for the Army and
be deployable was unexpected but supported,” she
says. “I’ve had the opportunity to meet and work with
some of the leading Forensic Science practitioners
and collaborate with U.S. and partner nation military
and civilians across the world, and I have benefited
from the diversity and experiences that each of them
have shared with me. Bonus: I met my husband at
this job.”
Ortiz-Meyer began her service with the
Expeditionary Forensics Division, now the Forensic
Exploitation Directorate (FXD), in July 2010 as an
examiner in the Latent Print branch. During her time
with FXD, she served as a Certified Latent Print
Examiner (CLPE) in the Global Forensic Exploitation
Center (GFXC) and mobile expeditionary laboratories
completing four deployments overseas and
participating in subject matter expert exchanges with
US and partner nations providing capabilities briefs
and instruction to CID Agents and Armed Forces
personnel in proper evidence handling and collection,
techniques for capturing legible record prints, and
field expedient processing methods.
U.S. Marine Corps
Sgt. Mayra L. Arambulajaime
As a life-long learner, Sergeant Arambulajaime
has continuously invested time in off-duty
education and professional military education.
From July 2020 to October 2020, Sergeant
Arambulajaime balanced her duties as an 0111
(Administrator) with her desire to invest time in a
college degree, completing four college courses
worth a total of (13) college credits toward her
future degree. She also attended and successfully
graduated from her Intermediate Administrative
Course from August of 2020 to October 2020.
U.S. Marine Corps
Geraldina Sandoval
Sponsorship Coordinator
III Marine Expeditionary Force (III MEF)
“I was always curious about the military life, but I
decided to enlist in the U.S. Army because I was
looking to work for an organization with structure,
discipline, and job stability,” shares Geraldina
Sandoval. “No other job could offer this along with
time and resources to grow as a person and as a
soldier. I was ready to be part of an organization that
I can be proud of, and I knew I was going to see the
world from a different perspective.”
Although no longer on active duty, she still
supports the military with volunteer and work with
other Services as a Civilian.
“By working with the active-duty Marines
sometimes, it brings me back to when I was serving
and the longing to putting my boots on again,” she
shares. “It comforts me that I support in a different
way now.”
Born in San Salvador, El Salvador, Sandoval was
deployed to Iraq with the 240th Combat Sustainment
Support Battalion (240TH CSSB) from March 2010
to March 2011. While there, she completed a
one-year deployment tour in Al Asad, Iraq, working
closely with Base Command Group and being in
charge of the base Official Mail Operations. She was
also responsible for the 240th CSSB Rest and
Relaxation Program and the Unit’s administrative
department. From March 2011 to August 2012, Mrs.
Sandoval’s next assignment was to the 49th Group
Mail Room/Official Mail, Fort Lee, VA. She was in
charge of overseeing the movement of personal mail
for Soldiers assignment to the 49th Group and all the
official mail for 530th Battalion and 49th Group. She
separated from active duty on August 1st, 2012, with
an honorable discharge.
Currently working as a Drill Instructor with
Series 4038, Platoon 4039, Sergeant Mayra L.
Arambulajaime has consistently set herself apart
from her peers. On every occasion, she has
performed at the top of her class and impressed
those senior and junior to her. Her infectious talent
and character are unique and allow this Marine to
soar beyond measure. Sergeant Armbulajaime is
an outstanding role model for any Marine and
truly represents the Latino community with pride
and distinction.
U.S. Navy
Lt. J.G. Ana P. Mier Valdivia
Strike Officer
“A big factor in my decision to choose the path of
Naval service was my family’s history. My mom and
grandparents emigrated from Cuba in 1980. They
left a Communist regime in search of a better life,
improved opportunities, and a democratic system,”
shares Lt. J.G. Ana P. Mier Valdivia. “Choosing a
lifestyle that allowed me to explore different career
paths, challenge myself, and develop as a leader,
while simultaneously serving my country, finalized
my decision to join the military.”
A native of Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, she
attended Academia San Jose high school in
her hometown and completed Summer Seminar
at the United States Naval Academy in 2014,
solidifying her decision to apply to the prestigious
undergraduate program. She began her naval
career in 2015 at the United States Naval Academy
in Annapolis, Maryland.
LATINAStyle V ol. 27, No. 6, 2021 www.latinastyle.com 33