"My family comes before anything else in life, and when the Army calls on me to go to school or deploy downrange, I make a vow to myself to do the best job that I can while I'm away. These soldiers who fight on a daily basis deserve to have their story told. I remember reading somewhere that people don't leave their jobs for more money, they leave because they don't feel enough appreciation. It's hard being away from loved ones, and I hope to make them feel proud for what they've sacrificed.

"I was terrified on my first mission. I thought that I was going to die and came to grips with how it all ends. Once we got to our destination, I confided in my neighbor, Staff Sgt. Perez, and I've felt like he's been protecting me ever since. I realize now that I was overreacting a little, but he hasn't changed a bit. He still has been looking out for me and I owe him and every soldier that I'm deployed with 110% in return.

"Nothing downrange feels better than to hear soldiers say that their mom saw a photo of them on DefenseLink and how proud they are. That is what I enjoy most and how I judge success. I feel a great sense of accomplishment when hearing that."

Mancini is currently deployed with 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, in Zabul Province, Afghanistan.