In 1980, Rhonda Solomon went to Hocking College in Nelsonville in the computer science associate degree program. After the two years were over, the economy indicated she needed more education. Rhonda was determined to find a way to continue her education and decided to join the ROTC Scholarship Program in Athens Ohio, Ohio University – Business Administration Program.
From the Goarmy.com website:
Army ROTC Scholarships. … Scholarships are awarded based on a student’s merit and grades, not financial need. Army ROTC Provides full and partial scholarships to receive a college degree with immediate job placement as a leader and manager in the U.S. Army.
She graduated in June of 1995 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Active Duty. Her first assignment was in Germany for 3 years. She was then deployed to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Japan, Korea, and Hawaii. One thing she learned about the Army was that she hated jumping out of air planes!
When Rhonda got out of the military in 1995, she had no trouble finding a job. A lot of companies in the 90’s were hiring officers. Her skills as a captain were: tenacity, taking charge and timely implementation of tasks. She left the military on a Friday and started working at a Aerospace tech company in Phoenix Arizona the following Monday. She did not think she needed to learn how to adapt. She was worried about not having a job and took the job right away. Looking back, she should have taken the transition training that was offered.
She worked at several places in New York and New Jersey, but was getting reprimanded for being too harsh. They also said she lacked communication skills. Her disposition was also too authoritative. She started working with a cleaning company owner in New Jersey. But he took advantage of the situation because she did not know how to run a business. He did not treat her as an equal and at times did not pay her. So she decided to start her own cleaning company. She used the skills that the military taught her: how to clean, how to be organized, how to be punctual, loyal and honest.
After Rhonda got out of the Army with a honorable discharge, her mom said that “Rhonda is not Rhonda – she is not the same person”. The army wanted to give her 60% disability but her mom said that is it was unacceptable. She ended up with 100% disability. She used the back-pay from the Army to launch her cleaning business.
The mental disability was diagnosed with was post traumatic distress disorder. This affects her in many ways. She is affected by sudden noises, social situations, and it bothers her when people move around suddenly. For the longest time, she could not go into large grocery stores. Some people ask her why her garage is so neat. It bothers her when things are not in order and clean. If you see Rhonda in a social situation she may seem standoffish. Overall she learned a lot about herself in the Army.
After 13 years of service, she still has the dedication, drive and tenacity. Her mission is honor, focus, never quit, physically fit and loyal. Her favorite Army motto is “Be All You Can Be!”
