ULV Military Veteran Student Honored as Hero

Maria Estrada 鈥�25 never imagined that her military journey would one day lead her to center ice at Crypto.com Arena, but on March 15, she will be honored as the Hero of the Game during ULV Night at the LA Kings. With more than 150 每日大赛 alumni, students, faculty, and staff cheering her on, Estrada鈥檚 story of service, resilience, and dedication will take the spotlight.

A Lifetime of Service

Estrada鈥檚 military career spans 21 years, beginning in the United States Air Force in 2000. She completed two combat deployments鈥攐ne in Qatar during Operation Enduring Freedom, where she provided aircraft security, and another in Iraq as a convoy gunner for Operation Iraqi Freedom. Transitioning to the Army National Guard in 2007, she served another 15 years, completing two more combat tours and advancing into leadership roles, including team leader and military police instructor. As one of the few women in combat roles, she faced unique challenges, often being the only female in her unit.

“I didn鈥檛 want to be seen differently just because I was a woman,” she shared. “I worked hard to prove myself, and I took on every challenge with the same determination as my male counterparts.”

Her service earned her several commendations, including the Combat Order of the Spur and the Non-Article 5 NATO Medal for her contributions to international security efforts in Afghanistan.

Finding Purpose Beyond the Military

For many veterans, transitioning from military life to civilian life presents a unique set of challenges. Estrada understands this all too well.

鈥淎fter 21 years in the military, you spend so much time in a structured, mission-driven world that when you step out, it鈥檚 like, 鈥楴ow what?鈥欌€� she said. 鈥淵ou鈥檙e trying to find your purpose and your place, and it鈥檚 really hard.鈥�

Estrada credits her military experience with shaping her leadership and academic approach at ULV. Her years as a military instructor provided her with a strong foundation in leadership and teaching, which she now applies in both the classroom and her work at the Center for Veteran Student Success. She is often the one to step in and lead group projects, ensuring everyone has a role or support.

Understanding the difficulties of transitioning to civilian and student life, Maria encourages other veterans to be patient with themselves and seek support when needed.

鈥淭ransitioning into college isn鈥檛 easy. You have to give yourself a lot of grace. College can feel overwhelming at times, but just like in the military, you have a mission. Stay focused, ask for help, and lean on the people around you,” she advises.

She emphasizes the importance of persistence, treating education as a mission, and utilizing veteran resources to build a sense of community. Balancing her studies while raising two children, Maria has also learned the importance of structure and self-care.

“Having a system is key. No one tells you when to study or when to take a break鈥攜ou have to build that discipline yourself,” she says.

She approaches her coursework with the same strategic mindset she applied in the military, ensuring she remains committed to her goals while also serving as a mentor to younger students navigating their own academic journeys.

鈥淐ollege is a stepping stone to what they鈥檙e going to do next in life, and I remind them that we鈥檙e all in this together.鈥�

A Moment of Recognition

Being selected as the Hero of the Game is a humbling experience for Maria, who sees it as an opportunity to represent not only veterans but also women in the military. She hopes her story will inspire others to pursue their ambitions, proving that leadership, service, and resilience extend far beyond the battlefield.

Her guiding principle, 鈥淐harlie Mike鈥擟ontinue the Mission,鈥� reflects her belief in lifelong learning and perseverance. As she steps onto the ice on March 15, the recognition will be a testament to her unwavering commitment to service and community.

This honor holds even greater significance as it falls during Women鈥檚 History Month, a time to recognize the contributions of women who have paved the way in fields traditionally dominated by men. Maria鈥檚 journey exemplifies the courage and resilience of women in the military, demonstrating that leadership knows no gender. Her story is a powerful reminder of the impact women continue to make in shaping history and inspiring future generations.