Dragons Who Serve: Brenda Norris

Veterans Day honors those who have served in the United States military. MSUM recognizes the courageous efforts of the people who have dedicated their lives to protecting our freedom and rights. Many students, staff, and faculty have served in this way. This week we recognize a few individuals for their sacrifice and service.

Brenda Norris is the Executive Director for Facilities Management, and before that, she worked on campus as a consultant on several capital building projects, beginning in 2002.

Brenda served in the U.S Army Reserves for six years. She was 17 when she joined.  Unsure of what career path she wanted to follow post-graduation, Brenda decided to serve as a medical specialist for the 311th Evac Hospital in north Fargo.

One of her most memorable moments during her years of service was returning to Fargo-Moorhead after Operation Desert Storm.

“We were one of the first groups to come back, and the support of the Fargo-Moorhead community was absolutely overwhelming. People were so excited to see us come home,” Brenda says.

Brenda is a member of VFW Post #3818 and has participated in Memorial Day services for the past several years. The services allow her to remember the men and women who have served and given their lives for this country. She says, “I am most proud of remembering them.”

She wants people to know that the decision to join is life-changing but has always been positive for her. The military has given her the opportunity to appreciate all the sacrifices made by other servicemen and servicewomen.

With the new Tri-College ROTC program location on MSUM’s campus, she is beyond excited about what it might mean for current MSUM students.

“I am hopeful that MSUM students will check it out as an option for themselves,” she says.

Brenda celebrates Veterans Day by attending the Hawley school program and spending time with her family, who always go out of their way to make the day special for her.

Thank you, Brenda, for your service, and happy Veterans Day!