BOSTON — Bonita Oteri served her country for 17 years in the Army, retiring with the rank of major. 

 

In a military career that was built on the foundation of character, integrity, respect and humility, she served from 1979 to 1996. As a cadet at Northeastern University, her ROTC basic training was done at Fort Bragg, N.C. 

 

"It was a big culture shock as a Yankee going to the South ... truly made me appreciate my home in Massachusetts," she recalled.

 

Her first assignment took her to Ansbach, Germany, with the 1st Armored Division, where one of her assignments was platoon leader on the Army Intelligence Division Staff. 

 

"It was the Cold War Era and we were protecting against Eastern Block incursion," she said. 

 

She was also on the Division G-2 Staff. 

 

When asked about what makes a strong leader, Oteri offered this: "It takes empathy and compassion as well as an understanding of cultures (she speaks a variety of languages). ... I told my mom at a young age that I'd never sell my soul, and I never did."