WHY I Serve: Soldier’s Determination Leads Her to Army Service at 41

Official Statements

• Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, November 13: “LANDSTUHL, Germany — At 41, many people have settled into established careers and routines. Pfc. Olivia Kabre, a nutrition care specialist at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, chose a different path: She enlisted in the U.S. Army and completed basic combat training, pursuing a goal she had held for years.”

• Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, November 13: “Kabre’s journey to military service began 16 years ago, when she came to the United States to attend the University of Houston and pursue nursing. She later earned associate degrees in biology and nursing before moving to New York, where she requested asylum. Enlisting was far from easy. Kabre had tried twice before, but her first attempt ended because she did not have her green card. During her second attempt, she was told she had exceeded the enlistment age limit. She continued to pursue her goal.”

• Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, November 13: "I have a strong trust in God, and my faith has never failed me," Kabre said. "I could always see myself in that Army uniform, and I simply refused to give up." In April 2026, Kabre saw an advertisement announcing that the Army had increased its maximum enlistment age to forty-two. At 41, she realized she had another opportunity to enlist. "I knew it was my time," she said.”

• Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, November 13: “Her age prompted questions from recruiters about whether she was prepared for the physical demands of the 10-week basic combat training course. Kabre said she was confident in her decision and committed to completing the training. When she arrived at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, she was older than everyone in her platoon. She had been married for six months, and her husband even questioned whether she could complete basic training at her age.”

• Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, November 13: "Before enlisting, I had only been married for six months, and when I spoke to my husband, he questioned whether I could make it through basic training at my age," Kabre said. "I knew that this was my destiny, and I had no reservations about enlisting because of my deep religious convictions."

• Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, November 13: “Her desire to serve is also shaped by years of helping others through food and community service. For 16 years, she had prepared meals for her church community, volunteered at food drives, and supported neighbors. She viewed feeding people and caring for their well-being as an important expression of her faith. After prayer and conversations with her husband, Kabre enlisted. She wanted to use food and nutrition to help care for service members.”

• Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, November 13: “Basic training and advanced individual training brought their own challenges. Kabre said adjusting to a platoon of younger Soldiers was difficult at times, but she remained focused on completing the program. “The hardest thing about basic training was being around all the younger Soldiers who got the platoon into trouble for not listening,” Kabre said. “My dad pasted away while I was in my first phase of advanced individual training, but I could not give up on my dream. I pushed through and graduated on the honors list.”

• Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, November 13: “During the second phase of advanced individual training, she also earned a place on the dean’s list. “It was challenging, but I learned a lot about myself,” Kabre said. “I love being a part of a community, and being in the Army, I have that.” As a nutrition care specialist, Kapre collaborates with dietitians and other health care professionals to support patients with nutritional needs. Her duties contribute to the care of service members recovering from injuries or illnesses, as well as patients who require specialized diets.”

• Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, November 13: “For Kabre, the work is an extension of the service she provided to her church and community before joining the Army. “Being able to help an injured service member away from home for the first time and dealing with a painful injury, a meal tray isn't just calories; it’s comfort,” she said. “I treat every patient chart and every plate of food like a small prayer.”

• Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, November 13: “She said she takes time to listen to patients who may be frustrated by dietary restrictions during recovery and offers encouragement as they work toward their health goals. Maj. Emily Diemer, director nutritional medicine, said Kabre brought enthusiasm and a willingness to help from the time she arrived.”

• Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, November 13: "From the moment she arrived, she brought an incredible, infectious energy to our section," Diemer said. "It didn't matter what the task was, she stepped up with a smile and a total willingness to serve. You can't teach that kind of work ethic and attitude; she just has it." Diemer said Kabre’s age has been an asset, bringing maturity and determination to her work.”

• Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, November 13: "Some people might look at a 41-year-old recruit and worry about the physical grind, but she proved early on that her maturity and drive set her apart," Diemer said. "Seeing how she operates day in and day out, I have absolutely no doubt she is going to have a long, incredibly successful career in the military. She is exactly the kind of Soldier we need." Kabre said her faith continues to guide her approach to service and patient care.”

• Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, November 13: "People ask me why I traded a comfortable life to start at the bottom at 41," Kapre said. "My faith teaches me that we are here to serve others and whether I am calculating protein needs for a recovering service member or just making sure a sick Soldier gets warm soup, I know I am exactly where God wants me to be."

• Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, November 13: “She has set sights on continuing her education and eventually earning a commission as an Army officer. Her long-term goal is to become a registered dietitian serving in the military. "I didn't come this far just to stop here," Kaber said. "Every step of this journey, from West Africa to basic training at 41, has been about trusting the process. I am going to keep pushing, keep learning, and eventually, I will be the one leading and teaching our Soldiers how to fuel their bodies for the mission."

• Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, November 13: “Kabre said her experience has taught her the importance of remaining resilient when facing setbacks. “You have to be really resilient when you join the Army,” Kabre said. “You may encounter a lot of setbacks, but if you are resilient, you can overcome them and achieve any goal. I love my Army family, and I enjoy taking care of patients.”