Each month, the Museum invites you to get to know the staff supporting our pillars to Honor, Connect, Inspire and Educate. Meet Sue Llende, our Database Manager.
Q: What is your favorite place in the Museum and why?
A: My favorite place is the Reconnecting alcove. As a civilian, the Veteran story is not mine to tell, however I can become part of that story when I enter Veterans lives as they transition to civilian life. Veteran Service Organizations, or VSO’s, are everywhere (my personal favorite is Team RWB!) and exist to support Veterans in a variety of ways. If you feel you “missed the boat” in serving our country, I’d invite you to join or volunteer with a VSO where you can actively participate in serving our Veterans.
Q: What are three words that best describe you?
A: My one-two punch is Energetic and Positive with Continuous Learner as my follow-on left hook.
Q: We feature an #NVMMReads recommendation every month, what is a book that you think everyone should have on their “must-read” list?
A: “I’m No Hero” by Charlie Plumb. In this autobiography, Ex-POW Captain Charlie Plumb displays upmost resilience, courage, tenacity and hope in the face of a dire and life-altering experience. The book is both an inspiration and a humbling reminder that Freedom isn’t free. Spoiler Alert: Charlie Plumb is definitely a hero!
Q: What do you like to do when you aren’t working?
A: Fitness is a big part of my being and so running, boxing and HIIT classes are all in my daily schedule. I also have family far and wide and so spending time on group Zoom calls, text chats and good old-fashioned phone calls fills up my time (and my soul!) on a daily basis.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: Walking part of the Camino de Santiago was such an amazing experience that I’d love to do one of the full routes (500ish miles) someday, with family and friends joining me in parts along the way.
Q: What’s your personal motto, or your favorite quote?
A: “Follow the signs”. In 2021, my oldest daughter and I walked 100+ miles of the Camino de Santiago spending 7 days on foot, literally following yellow arrows pointing us to our destination. I believe signs are all around us, leading us in the unique directions of our life’s path…we just have to keep an eye out for them and trust them to take us to the place at which we’re destined to be.
Q: What is something that no one would believe about you?
A: I think I’m pretty much a “what you see is what you get” kind of person, but something that might be surprising is that I embrace change. Whether it is a new company, a new career, or a move to a new location, I look at these as exciting opportunities to learn something new, meet incredible people, make an impact and become impacted. My life has been enriched by the new experiences and new relationships I have made along the way!
Q: If you could swap places with anyone for a day, who would you choose and why?
A: My grandmother…she is 103 and is one of the most vibrant, positive and energetic centenarians you could ever hope to meet. She has lived through more than a century of history and I would love to get a glimpse of the world through her eyes. She is our family matriarch, now 5 generations strong, and I’d also love to see how she views the legacy she has created…I hope we’ve made her proud!
