MHS Alum, Brazil Native Excels in Marines

Combat deployments, English language barriers, stereotypes and life’s daily distractions couldn’t stop Sgt. Ticiane DeOliveira, a cryptologic linguist with 3rd Radio Battalion, from achieving one of the highest goals of her life – completing her education.

DeOliveira not only received her bachelor’s degree in justice administration from Hawaii Pacific University, but was also selected as the valedictory speaker on behalf of all the service members enrolled in HPU’s military campus program.

“Sgt. DeOliveira competed with several superb candidates to represent HPU’s MCP as its fall 2010 valedictory speaker,” said Robert E. Cyboron, associate vice president for off-campus programs and dean of Military Campus Programs, HPU. “She stood out as an individual who overcame several challenges growing up and demonstrated that she could make a difference in the world.”

According to Cyboron, she aggressively pursued her education goals by taking HPU’s distance education courses while deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. After seven years of studying and with the help of tuition assistance she completed her degree prior to transferring this month to the Defense Language Institute in Santa Barbara, Calif., to train as an Arabic linguist.

“If it wasn’t for the all the support from my chain of command, mentors and the HPU staff, I would’ve never finished my degree,” said DeOliveira, 27.

Born in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, DeOliveira moved to Boston to live with her father at age 15. Today, she speaks four languages fluently but when she arrived to America, she was unable to speak English. To make a living, she cleaned houses and worked several jobs to support herself and her father while attending high school.

When her father returned to Brazil, she lived on her own at 16 and immersed herself into school, with a goal of mastering the English language. She eventually graduated with honors from Medford High School near Boston in 2002. It was there that she befriended one of her tutors, Mac Ward.

“Mac accepted me like a daughter and has always been there for me. He served in the Marine Corps for four years and as he saw me struggle to pay for my college education. He encouraged me to talk to a recruiter but let me decide on my own if it would be my path,” said DeOliveira.

Four years later, Ward along with his wife, Paula flew to Hawaii to attend her college graduation ceremony Dec. 20. DeOliveira said the highlight of her career was when Ward flew in for the day to promote her to the rank of sergeant with the chevrons he wore 30 years ago. She hopes to one day pass them on to her kids and keep them in the family as a legacy.

“I cannot explain how proud of her I am,” Ward said. “She continues to impress me and become such a wonderful person in this world.”

While deployed to Iraq, DeOliveira helped an unmarried pregnant Iraqi teenager escape dangerous living conditions by sponsoring her into the United States. Today, the woman and her baby are enjoying safety and freedom in America.

The opportunity to make a difference in their lives helped DeOliveira understand the importance of giving back to others and, she now wants to return to the Middle East and continue to help women oppressed by the war. Lt. Gen. Robert C. Jacoby, commanding general, Multi-National Corps-Iraq, praised her on her efforts in a letter of commendation.

Another person who helped encourage DeOliveira to pursue her goals was Christopher E. Blanchard, chief of staff, Marine Corps Base Hawaii. She said Blanchard is one of her biggest mentors and his encouragement solidified her decision to re-enlist.

“Any senior officer or staff non-commissioned officer should look upon opportunities to mentor young Marines and sailors not as an obligation, but as a privilege,” said Blanchard, a retired Marine colonel.

After completion of her two-year DLI training, she plans to apply to the Marine Corps’ Enlisted Commissioning Program and serve as an officer.

DeOliveira advises Marines and their family members to take full advantage of tuition assistance because an education will help them excel beyond their military service.

“I believe that life is all about balance. Work hard, play hard and always strive to be above standards, no matter what,” DeOliveira said.

Story from DVIDS – Defense Video & Imagery Distribution System