FORT KNOX, Ky. –
Persevere- to continue in a course of action even in the face of difficulty or with little or no prospect of success.
And that mantra of continuing to push forward is an essential part of Staff Sgt. Indira Krager’s success.
A native of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Krager was raised in Vienna, Austria, yet she considers Tampa, Florida, her home. She attended an Austrian high school but dropped out after 10th grade. But she did not let this stop her from achieving her goals.
She moved to Florida as a permanent resident and later joined the Florida Army National Guard in 2010 at 31-years-old.
“At the time the Army National Guard offered what was called the GED PLUS program,” Krager said. “If you scored a 50 or above on the ASVAB and had completed the 10th grade you qualified.”
According to Krager, she didn’t pass the ASVAB the first time, but she studied hard and retook the test 30 days later.
She joined as a motor transport operator and is now a recruiter in the New England Recruiting Battalion. Krager wanted a job that was different than anything she had done before.
“My motivation for joining was to better myself and set an example to my young children,” Krager said. “This career field (allows) me to spread my knowledge.”
In 2016, Krager made the decision to transition to the regular Army and continue to serve fulltime.
“She was one of the first applicants I enlisted,” said Krager’s recruiter then Staff Sgt. Christopher Tunis, now the Chicago Recruiting Company first sergeant. “She was persistent and committed to joining.”
Krager decided service to the American people was the best way to pay forward what America had gifted her.
“I have always felt I needed to serve the people of my adoptive nation,” Krager said. “I serve because I am a civil servant for life, and I want to keep the heritage and traditions of this nation going for the next generation.”
Krager did not stop achieving her goals once joining the Army. She continues to strive to reach the next level. She has earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree and now is a Ph.D. candidate.
“My perseverance is an essential part of my success,” Krager said. “Knowing failures and setbacks do not define me but how I overcome them does. My husband is the strength behind my motivation.”
During Krager’s spare time she enjoys antique shopping, traveling, reading, baking, spending time with her family, and continuing to be a lifetime learner.
For more information about career opportunities and benefits in the U.S. Army, visit www.goarmy.com.