From Iraq To Brooklyn: Lt. Col. Cynthia West’s Enduring Commitment To Serve

Brooklyn, NY — From their time in uniform to their everyday contributions in our neighborhoods, veterans embody service in so many forms. Patch and T-Mobile have teamed up to share stories of veterans making a difference in the places we call home.

This story was submitted by Nadene Gordon, who nominated U.S. Army Lt. Col. Cynthia West of Brooklyn. To share your own message of gratitude, click here to answer a few questions and we'll take it from there.

Tell us about the veteran's service.

She served in multiple locations throughout her military career, including Oregon, Alabama, Missouri, Puerto Rico, West Virginia, Colorado, North Carolina, and New York. She deployed twice to Iraq. Her inspiration to join the U.S. Army began with stories from her grandfather, who served in the United States Navy during World War II. Unsure of her path after graduating high school, she met with an Army Reserve recruiter—a decision that soon led her to a life of service.

Throughout her career, she formed lifelong friendships and met remarkable people. Her deployments overseas are filled with memorable experiences, including working alongside her American brothers and sisters in uniform while helping foster safe and supportive relationships with the Iraqi people and their troops. Whether serving on outside-the-gate missions distributing medical supplies or supporting the repair and replacement of critical bridges, each experience was meaningful and unforgettable.

She often reflects on her time as a company commander, where caring for Soldiers was always her top priority. Though there were difficult decisions to face, the positive and rewarding moments far outweighed them. Today, she continues to serve her community by helping at her son’s school and her baby daughter’s daycare. She volunteers whenever possible and advocates passionately for animal rescue.

How do you know the veteran?

Cynthia's daughter (Amelia) attends the Hanson Place Child Development Center, and I am the Director.

What makes the veteran someone your community should know about?

Her willingness to continue serving remains unwavering. More than three decades later, she is still going strong and has no interest in retiring anytime soon. She loves the Army and hopes to wear the uniform for as long as she can. She openly shares her military experiences with others and encourages young Soldiers to stay in and take full advantage of the benefits and opportunities available to them. She also speaks with young people who may be uncertain about their future, offering guidance and encouragement.

What three words best describe the veteran?

Determined, Loyal and Go-getter.

Want to show your appreciation for a veteran in your community? We want to hear from you! Click here to answer a few questions, and your response could be featured on Patch.

This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.