FORT BLISS, Texas – A mother‑daughter team from Fort Bliss was recently recognized for their outstanding service to soldiers. Master Sgt. Michelle Vereen and her daughter, Sgt. Alexandria Vereen‑Alaniz, each received the Col. Robert L. Manning Achievement Medal, an award that highlights significant contributions to the Adjutant General’s Corps and the Army human‑resources profession.
Roles that support soldiers every day
Master Sgt. Vereen serves as the senior career counselor for the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division. In that capacity she helps new recruits and seasoned soldiers navigate career paths, benefits, and personal development opportunities. Sgt. Vereen‑Alaniz is the senior human‑resources sergeant for 1st Battalion, 67th Armored Regiment, where she ensures that soldiers receive the guidance and resources they need throughout their service.
Both women specialize in Army human resources, a critical function that keeps the force ready and families supported. “We’re there just to help them navigate, especially the new ones coming in the Army. Just where their career can go,” Master Sgt. Vereen told ABC‑7. “We are the first people that the soldiers see when they come in. Whenever I can help them in any way, I have a huge satisfaction. It gives me a sense of pride to do what I do every day to help soldiers and their families,” added Sgt. Vereen‑Alaniz.
Family tradition of service
Military service runs deep in the Vereen family. Sgt. Vereen‑Alaniz grew up with both parents in the armed forces and always knew she wanted to serve her country. “I originally wanted to run track in college, but I wanted to make something bigger of myself and support my country and support my community,” she said.
For Master Sgt. Vereen, seeing her daughter choose the same path was a source of great pride. “It definitely was a sense of pride that she decided to do that. And it was a great opportunity that we were actually able to get stationed at the same location and in the same brigade,” she said.
A shared honor
When the award was announced, both women expressed surprise and gratitude. “We both were like, ‘oh my gosh, I can’t believe we’re getting it at the same time,’” Master Sgt. Vereen said.
The Col. Robert L. Manning Achievement Medal recognizes individuals who have made a lasting impact on the Army’s human‑resources mission. By honoring a mother and daughter together, the ceremony highlighted the strength of family values and dedication that underpin the military community at Fort Bliss.
Fort Bliss officials noted that such recognitions reinforce the Army’s commitment to supporting soldiers and their families, ensuring that the next generation of service members receives the mentorship and care they need to succeed.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
