In the past decade, Danaraj has deployed to the Middle East four times, with stints in Afghanistan and Iraq — most recently to Iraq last year as a company commander with the 66th Military Police Company. The two-time Bronze Medal recipient is also pursuing her second master’s degree at Georgetown University. Were you always interested in joining the Army?
Growing up in Redmond, Wash., there was not much affiliated with the military. I needed a way to help with college. I went to the University of Southern California. I would have never been able to afford it without the Army.
But then you decided to pursue the military as a full-time career?
When we started to get into the Army classes, it really appealed to me. It was challenging and different, a very rewarding experience job-satisfaction-wise. I really never expected that from the Army. I like working with people. I see people from all different walks of life. You’re definitely given the opportunity to problem solve and execute. I like that.
What is the most noticeable difference between Iraq and Afghanistan?
It’s like comparing apples and oranges. But the most noticeable difference is infrastructure, with Iraq being so much further along than Afghanistan.
Why Georgetown?
The irony is, that growing up in Redmond, Georgetown was my dream school. My family took me on a trip to D.C. I loved the campus but I got waitlisted. You could call me naive or idealistic, [but] this is a place where things are happening, people are working.
What does Memorial Day mean to you?
It’s an awesome opportunity to recognize those in service and those that came before us and what they sacrificed. You only have to go out to Arlington Cemetery to see the blood and treasure this country has spent all over the world — it’s a moment to realize we haven’t gotten here without tremendous sacrifice.
Brian Hughes
