Published: May 09, 2009 10:40 pm         

Hillsdale mom and her daughter share active military service

CAMP VICTORY, BAGHDAD — Sgt. Judy Brown of Hillsdale and her daughter, Pvt. Kasey Reed, share many classic mother-daughter bonds, and one not so typical — active military service.

Sgt. Brown is an information systems analyst with the 324th Military Police Detachment 4, Baghdad. Pvt. Reed is an aviation operation specialist of C Company, 123rd Aviation at Fort Wainwright, Alaska.

“My mother has taught me everything I know, but the most important things would be to live life to its fullest, never judge a book by its cover, and treat everyone the way you would want to be treated,” said Reed.

Just after Brown kissed her daughter goodbye and sent her to basic training, she was inspired to start the process of re-enlisting after 13 years of being out of the Army. Brown and Reed both enjoy their lives in the military.

“We have so much in common,” said Brown after grinning. “We both joined the military just after we graduated high school, graduated basic from Fort Jackson, and married men we met at our duty stations.”

Brown and Reed have been close since the beginning, and don’t let the distance discourage them.

“I am very proud of her,” said Brown. “It’s an honor to wear this uniform, and not everyone can wear it. I think every child should go through basic training. It teaches respect and responsibility.”

“My mother is my hero,” said Reed. “She means everything to me. If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t be the person that I am today. I love my mother and thank her for all the support she has given me.”

Although the two won’t be able to spend this Mother’s Day together, they do plan to connect in some fashion for a holiday mother-daughter talk.