U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) announced U.S. Army Captain Maggie Amadei of Enterprise as January's "Veteran of the Month." Amadei is a combat veteran of Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), a U.S. Army aviator and Gold Star spouse.
Tuberville's announcement video begins with Amadei discussing her entry into the Army, where she started her career at the onset of Desert Storm. She enlisted as a wheel and tracked vehicle mechanic and was one of few women allowed to work on tracked vehicles such as the M1A1 Abrams tank and M113 armored personal carriers.
Later, Amadei became an Army aviator flying Blackhawk helicopters and served on multiple combat aviation missions in the Middle East.
"Our men and women in uniform embody a special kind of courage," Tuberville said in his announcement. "No one displays that better than Captain Maggie Amadei of Enterprise."
"Not only is Maggie a combat veteran, but she is also a Gold Star spouse," said Tuberville.
"Maggie and her husband Ben met while both serving in the Army," he continued. "They deployed as part of the 101st Airborne Division and celebrated their first wedding anniversary in Iraq. But two months later, Ben's helicopter was shot down, and he lost his life for this country. But this tragedy didn't destroy Maggie's desire to serve."
While discussing her husband Ben, Maggie Amadei said she wouldn't change her three years of marriage for 30 years with someone else. She added that she has no regrets because the Army is where they found each other.
Today, Maggie Amadei manages the flight school training support operations at GDIT in Dadeville—the world's largest rotary flight simulation facility.
Over the past 15 years, Amadei has helped provide 1.5 million flight hours to pilots, ensuring every day that the next generation of Army aviators are prepared for whatever challenges they may face.
Tuberville concluded, "Maggie's toughness, resilience, and commitment to serve are an inspiration. Alabama is grateful for her service and it is my honor to name her as January's Veteran of the Month."
SEE ALSO: Tuberville names Matt Brannon as December "Veteran of the Month"
Twenty-two veterans a day lose the battle to Post Traumatic Stress. If you or someone you know are struggling or having suicidal thoughts, you can reach out to your local emergency services or call the Veteran's Crisis Line by dialing 988 or texting 838255.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email Bradley.cox@1819news.com.
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