Women's History Month: Ivey Guinta

"I joined the Marine Corps after I graduated high school in 2014. I was meritoriously promoted to Private First Class in boot camp during the Crucible, a 54-hour training event that tests every mental and physical a person has to become a Marine.?After entry training, I went on to become an Ammunition and Explosive Technician where I was stationed at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center 29 Palms. CA. I was promoted to Corporal after being there for 2 years and became one of the only female Quality Assurance Safety Observers. I was awarded a Navy and Marine Corps achievement?medal for accounting for 73 million dollars worth?of ammunition with no discrepancies for the first time in Marine Corps history and a Certificate of Commendation for accounting for 762 ammunition transactions with no discrepancies for the 2018 Winter Fury and Steel Knight Exercise. I was also awarded the National Defence Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal."

Q&A with Ivey!

Q: Who is the most influential woman in your life?

"Suzette Graham.

She is the epitome of a She-EO, she started this company with nothing but grit, and determination and with the help of her kids has turned Patriot Angels into a life-changing company for veterans and their spouses, Suzette shows up every day to work and lead her employees rather than just overseeing and bossing like other CEO’s. As a veteran who has personally dealt with the VA and its lack of care for veterans, it makes me emotional to think that she went through the risk of losing everything she ever owned just to make a difference in the lives of people who have risked life and limb for this country."

Q: Do you have a story you would like to share about your time in service?

"My time in the Marine Corps was great! I was one of the only female Quality Assurance managers overseeing a team in my unit handling several different types of ammunition and explosives. Assisting the EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) unit with blowing up expired or unsafe ammunition was probably some of the best times I had in the Marine Corps.

Q: What advice would you give to a young girl who wants to serve our country??

"Stand up and believe in yourself!?

I had intended on joining the Air Force before I went into the Marine Corps, but guys I knew who joined before I had said that I should go ahead and join the Air Force because the Marine Corps would definitely be too hard for a girl like me. So what other option did I have other than join the boy's gun club and beat them at their own game. I ended up achieving more than those guys, so never let anyone tell you what you can or cannot do, you are in control of your own life and destiny, so make it the best it can be and prove to those wrong who tell you that you aren’t strong enough."

Q: What is your role at Patriot Angels?

"I am a lead claims coordinator and I work with my manager to ensure we, as a department, are doing the best job we can do for these families in gathering documentation to get these veterans and spouses the money they deserve from the VA. I love being someone my peers can come to with any questions they have that will help them get their goals accomplished, if they’re not achieving their goals neither am I. I am so thankful for this position and this company and I cannot wait to see it grow and help as many people as possible!"

We are thankful to have Ivey on our team and evermore thankful for her service!

Happy International Women's Day!?