This Memorial Day, I’m Walking in Santa Barbara to Honor My Sister—A Fallen Hero Who Still Leads Me

Support Gold Star Families and TAPS by Joining Our Carry The Load Tribute From Anywhere

This Memorial May, I’m walking with Carry The Load to honor the memory of my sister, Sergeant First Class Mendoza — a brave, selfless U.S. Army soldier who gave everything in service to her country.

She served as a Chemical Operations Specialist with the 82nd Airborne Division , risking her life to detect chemical, biological, and nuclear threats. She e…