Driven 
Sy and I worked together a few years ago in Alaska, she was then, and still is incredibly detailed oriented. Never asked, she just always rolled up her sleeves and got after whatever the task was, she’s absolutely driven.
I wasn’t the least bit surprised to learn that she was accepted into the Army’s Green to Gold program. While she was in school, I checked in with her to see how she was doing, she always remained her upbeat big smiling self. She’d always say, I’m good, tell me what’s new with you.
I knew the day I met Sy that she was a Gold Star, her husband, SGT Reyes Ramirez was killed in action on 17 June, 2006 in Ramadi, Iraq. At the time of his death, Sy was on active duty and pregnant with their daughter Syreyz. She could have easily taken a hardship discharge and left the Army, but she didn’t, as driven as she is, she stayed in and is now a senior Captain with more than 20 years of service.
Knowing she was a Gold Star didn’t change the way I treated Sy, I just always knew in the back of the mind that she had experienced an unthinkable amount of pain, sacrifice, and loss. She very much compartmentalized her pains and very rarely spoke of them.
She would always ask me about the mountain and how things were going, I knew she wanted to climb it, but she just wasn’t ready. I told her the mountain isn’t going anywhere, whenever you’re ready I’ll take you.
Just before she departed Alaska, she asked if I would take her up. We climbed, and as expected, she crushed it…it was a powerful and rewarding day for her on so many levels.
She is now the aide-de-camp for a two star general…not the easiest of jobs, but no doubt Sy is up for the task, she’s even been extended in the position.
I know I speak for countless that have served with Sy that will all agree with how driven she is. Well done Sy, we’re all proud of you…keep smiling, climbing, and driving on. 