08/27/2026
Master Sergeant Teresa Alford
Teresa Alford’s story is one of commitment, sacrifice, leadership, and service to her country, her fellow soldiers, and her family. She joined the U.S. Army Reserve at just 17 years old while still a junior in high school, beginning a military career that would span decades and include multiple deployments, leadership positions, and service to thousands of soldiers.
Teresa began her military career with the 915th Transportation Company in Council Bluffs, Iowa. From 1985 to 1991, she progressed from Private to Sergeant and served as a heavy vehicle driver. During this period, she deployed in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm for the liberation of Kuwait.
In 1993, Teresa continued her service with the 482nd Transportation Company in Cherokee, Iowa. From 1993 to 2000, she advanced from Sergeant to Staff Sergeant, serving as a heavy vehicle driver and squad leader.
Her service took her overseas again in June 2003, when she deployed with the 443rd Heavy Equipment Transportation Company to Camp Speicher, Iraq. There, she served in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and the Global War on Terrorism.
From 2006 to 2020, Teresa served with the 445th Transportation Company in Sac City, Iowa. During those years, she served as a platoon sergeant and senior truckmaster. She deployed to Camp Liberty in Baghdad, Iraq, from 2007 to 2010, where she again served as a platoon sergeant.
Teresa's commitment to service continued with the 649th Regional Support Group. From September 2020 to September 2021, she deployed to Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, where she served as the Housing NCO responsible for supporting the housing needs of more than 10,000 troops.
After more than three decades of military service, Teresa continued to serve soldiers and their leaders. From November 2021 through September 2025, she was assigned to the 103rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command in Des Moines, Iowa, serving as an Equal Opportunity Advisor. In that role, she supported the command and the soldiers of the 103rd, helping ensure that every soldier was treated with dignity, fairness, and respect.
Behind Teresa's military accomplishments is a story of personal sacrifice. Her first deployment came when she was a young first-time mother, leaving behind a young daughter while she answered the call to serve her country. Years later, when she received only three days' notice before another deployment to Iraq, friends and family stepped in to help her pack her household and move her three children to Jackson Nebraska.
As she found herself in leadership positions and deploying alongside younger soldiers and other mothers, she often thought about her own children and the families waiting for their loved ones to return home. She understood firsthand the strength required not only from a soldier, but from the families who support them.
After a lifetime of service and multiple deployments, Teresa remains grateful for the people who have supported her along the way.
Teresa's story represents more than military service. It represents the courage of a young woman who answered the call at 17, the strength of a mother who served while raising a family, the leadership of a soldier who rose through the ranks, and the dedication of a veteran who continued serving others long after her first deployment.
Her final message is one that reflects the heart of her service: to remember those who are still serving, to pray for those who remain deployed and for their safety, and never to forget the Gold Star families who have sacrificed so much.
Teresa Alford's life of service is a testament to duty, family, friendship, leadership, and the enduring spirit of those who answer the call to serve.
Total service 40 years 4 months and 3 days
Thank you for your service, Teresa.
