Takia Rust, was born in Agana Heights, Guam where her mother was serving in the Navy and her father was a military contractor. Rust’s discipline oriented military mother eventually returned home to Framingham, where Rust spent her childhood. Rust describes some of the racism and sexism her mother faced in the military, as well as the reservations her mother had about her own entry into the service. Despite these forewarnings, Rust was inspired to join the military after the 9/11 attacks and subsequently signed up for the National Guard. She served from 2002 to 2011, including a tour in Taji, Iraq 2006-07, and a second tour in Kuwait in 2010. Rust discusses camaraderie, PTSD, and how a career in the military led her to nursing.
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