Spc. Laisha Sanchez-Romero, a 24-year-old Minnesota National Guard Soldier from Rochester, is proud to celebrate both her Hispanic heritage and her identity as a Muslim. Serving as a transportation specialist, with the Arden Hills-based Alpha Company, 834th Aviation Support Battalion, Sanchez-Romero has embraced opportunities in both her military career and personal life. She enlisted in December of 2019, and is preparing to reclass as a paralegal, while also preparing to attend law school in the near future.

Sanchez-Romero joined the Minnesota National Guard with the initial goal of funding her education.

“The first reason I joined was to go to school,” Sanchez-Romero explained. “I got my bachelor’s degree in pre-law in December 2022, and I hope to attend law school as well.”

Her favorite part of serving has been the connections she’s made, she said.

 “During my time with the transportation unit, I built really great friendships, especially during the state activations and during COVID-19 response,” Sanchez-Romero said. “The opportunity to volunteer and meet people from all over Minnesota has been amazing.”

Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month holds deep significance for Sanchez-Romero and her family.

 “It’s a really special time for us,” she said. “Even though I’m here in Minnesota, I still celebrate it with my family, and we love attending the Latino Fest in Rochester. I’ve also experienced celebrations in Mexico, like in Mexico City. It’s a wonderful time that connects us to our culture.”

As she looks ahead, Sanchez-Romero is studying for the law school admission test and aims to become an immigration lawyer.

 “Coming from an immigrant family, it would mean a lot to help other immigrant families,” she said.

For Sanchez-Romero, serving in the Minnesota National Guard means helping those around her, she said.

 “It means that I get to help not only my community but the state as a whole,” she said. “I’m very grateful for the opportunities to serve, especially during the [Certified Nursing Assistant] COVID-19 orders. I’m proud to have helped individuals during such a challenging time for Minnesota.”

Story By Capt. Kate Sulzle

Minnesota National Guard