Sergeant Kelli McKinstry

Kelli joined the military on August 22, 2001, following in the footsteps of her father who had served in the Marine Corps. But, just two weeks later, her perspective changed and her own legacy was born. The attacks of 9/11 brought her a robust sense of duty and commitment to herself and our country.

The military helped Kelli discover a strength she never knew existed. She learned she was a fighter, who with hard work and perseverance, could do anything. The military taught her about duty, respect, honor and integrity. She gained an appreciation for the freedoms most people take for granted on a daily basis.

Kelli aspires to use her military background and her health studies degree to work at a V.A. hospital. She is specializing in radiation therapy and looks forward to spreading joy, compassion and amity to people suffering from a frightful ordeal. She believes her military experience will help bridge the gap between patient and staff.

She already is making a difference in the local community of Flint by working to secure grants to fund a homeless veterans shelter, as a Toys for Tots volunteer and by serving as the public relations representative for the Flint Chapter of the Student Veterans of America.