Continuing the tradition
PROTECTED CONTENT
If you’re a current subscriber, log in below. If you would like to subscribe, please click the subscribe tab above.
Username and Password Help
Please enter your email and we will send you a password reset link.
LIDIA MANZELLA POSES with her mom, Jaci Manzella, and her dad, Mike Manzella, after signing to join the Army Reserves. Submitted photo.
Lidia Manzella joins Army Reserves
By Nolan Morse
Coming from a military lineage, Lidia Manzella was set on becoming the newest link in her family’s chain, and she wasn’t going to let anything get in her way.
Her mother, Jaci (Meyer) Manzella, described her as naturally protective even since she was small.
Lidia’s father, Mike Manzella, said she picked up lots of military awareness, constantly shifting her eyes, knowing everything about her environment. So it was no surprise to those two when Lidia made the decision to join the Army Reserves.
Leaving for basic training June 30, Lidia has known for years this is something she wanted to do. Being inspired by shows like M.A.S.H and other military media at a young age, wanting to continue her family’s long line of serving their country, and simply wanting to prove she can do it, Lidia gave herself every reason to go for it and never looked back.
Although completely supportive, Lidia’s mom was taken a little off guard at the start. She told the story saying, Lidia just walked in from school one day and casually threw out there they had a meeting with a recruiter. Working in the shadows, Lidia set everything up herself, wanting this journey to be a reflection of her own hard work and hers alone.
When talking about the environment she’s experienced in the reserves thus far, Lidia said everyone has been amazing. Describing it as a group of supportive people all pushing themselves toward one common goal without judgment.
Lidia chose to go into culinary, something she said she’s been familiar with her entire life. This always follows an important rule her father, a veteran himself, put in place, saying she can go wherever she wants as long as she doesn’t join combat.
Looking forward to what she’s most excited about Lidia answered the change of scenery, saying she’s lived in Tuscola her entire life and cannot wait to travel and experience different surroundings.
While in the reserves Lidia will also be a student at Indiana University where she looks to pursue a business degree on top of everything she learns from the military.
Both parents could not express enough how proud they were of their daughter, and said with complete confidence no matter what Lidia tries to accomplish they have zero doubts she’ll be successful.