Private First Class De’Cassalyn Sanford was one of the first women to join her male colleagues in combat zones while she was deployed overseas in Iraq.
Sanford, a Houston native, played a key role in helping the US Army accomplish crucial missions. As a female soldier, Sanford was tasked with interviewing and searching Iraqi women. In one of her first missions Sanford was able to acquire information that led to a person of interest at the time.
Prior to joining her male colleagues out on the field, Sanford covered radio communications for combat missions and would often field calls from soldiers seeking back up. Sanford ultimately found herself traveling on one of the main roads that often led to calls for back up.
Her bravery and selflessness led to the Army Accommodation Medal, Combat Action Badge and Battalion Commanders Coin. Following active duty Sanford returned state side to give birth to her daughter.
“I consider my daughter my lifeline because had it not been for her, I would have died out there,” Sanford said.
Sanford says the adjustment period into civilian life was a challenging time for her.
“When I got home, it was like a complete change of everything, change of pace, change of scenery, change of atmosphere,” Sanford said. “It was really difficult for me to open up and speak.”
From about 2006 till recently Sanford found herself being reserved and distant. She credits the recent change in her life due to Military sororities. In 2021, thanks to a parent at one of her little league football practices, Sanford learned about the sisterhood found in military sororities. In 2022, Sanford crossed into Pi Mu Phi Military Sorority Incorporated.
“I found out and I joined, and it was the best thing I've ever done,” Sanford said. “I'm with a group of ladies who have been through the same exact things that I have been through in the military. These are the ladies that you can talk to and they understand you.”
Sanford will be attending her first Houston Dynamo game this weekend with her six kids, where she will be honored as the Katz Coffee Hero of the Game.
