See how Autumn’s personal decision to join the U.S. Army Reserve helped her earn money for college, build new friendships and win the respect of her mother.

s a single mother raising a family on her own, Molly Anderson always had a "protective mother bear instinct" for her children. So when her daughter Autumn called her up to tell her that she had decided to enlist in the U.S. Army, she was initially concerned.

“When [Autumn] called me and told me that she was joining the Army Reserve and she was for sure doing it, I was in shock.”

—Molly Anderson

Autumn explained to her mother how the Army would help her get through college and help her develop other important skills for her life and career. Her enthusiasm was reassuring to Molly—she had really done her research.

“Eventually I did see it Autumn’s way. I had no choice but to allow her to create her own world.”

—Molly Anderson

Today, she's watched her daughter grow and is prouder than ever. She thanks the Army for its guidance.

“I don’t have any doubt in my mind that Autumn [can] accomplish anything that she sets her life to do. She wanted to fight for her country and she also wanted to go to college, and the Army Reserve gave her that opportunity.”

—Molly Anderson

Like many parents of Soldiers, Molly thinks about deployment but is confident that her daughter is ready. Mostly, she looks forward to Autumn's next visit home.

"There's no doubt in my mind that the Army Reserve has prepared Autumn for deployment; to teach her to be the best Soldier that she could be," she says. "When my daughter walks in through that door for Christmas and she picks me up and she gives me the biggest bear hug I've ever had...I'm very proud."