SACRAMENTO, CA – This Veterans Day, as America honors its service members, one local veteran’s story stands out as a testament to the American dream and women’s role in the military. Tamare Fleury, who arrived in the United States from Haiti at age 15, went on to become the first female grenade launcher in Iraq and now serves Sacramento’s senior community as an Independent Insurance Broker. She also sits on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) – both the Sacramento chapter and statewide.
Fleury’s journey began when she enlisted in the U.S. Army while still in high school. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, she made history as the first female soldier assigned to carry and operate a grenade launcher, carrying six live grenades at a time. “I was not allowed to go in the chow-hall with them on,” Fleury recalls. “When you’re that young, you don’t think about the burden of having these in my possession.”
After serving 12 years in the Army, Fleury earned two degrees from Sacramento State University – in Political Science and French Literature. Today, she channels her commitment to service into helping seniors navigate the complex world of Medicare.
“I was introduced to the Medicare part of my license and fell in love with it,” says Fleury. “It was so fascinating and confusing at the same time. I don’t understand how they expect the elderly population to stay abreast of all these rules and constant changes.”
As a member of NAWBO, Fleury represents a growing demographic of female veterans who have successfully transitioned into business. Her passion for service extends beyond her current work – she’s an advocate for various causes, including veterans’ rights, particularly for women and homeless veterans.
“Let’s take care of our Veterans nationwide, specially our women and homeless veterans,” Fleury emphasizes. She also advocates for making American history more inclusive, noting the significant contributions of Foundational Black Americans to the country’s economic wealth.
This Veterans Day, Fleury offers a unique perspective on patriotism and service. “Selfless service, putting the will of the country and the people first, and upholding the constitution – that’s what being a veteran means,” she says. “I am what patriotism looks like.”
For more information or to arrange an interview with Tamare Fleury, please contact Kristen Simoes or Tia Gemmell at media@nawbo-sac.org or 916.600.9082.
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Founded in 1975, the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) is the unified voice of over 12 million women-owned businesses in the United States representing the fastest growing segment of the economy.