Military, music, and marriage

One could say the Army changed the life of 2001 Eagle Grove High School graduate Jessica Lindstrom in more ways than one. Not only did it provide her with a path to pursue her passion - music, but it also led her to the love of her life - Jason Gagne, who became her husband in 2010.

The story begins just after Jessica graduated from high school.

“I didn’t really have a college in mind...and (the Army) was willing to pay me to play music,” said Jessica as to why she decided to follow a military path. “The possibility of travel also sounded attractive.” As a clarinet player, and coming from a family with a strong military background, the decision to join the Army full-time was an easy one for Jessica. After serving four years at Fort Hood in Texas, she decided to come back home to Iowa to pursue an education, but still serve part-time in the National Guard. Based out of Fairfield, Iowa, Jessica served once a month from 2005 - 2009, still as a musician.

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