Cover model Kristina Anderson, 26, is an all-American woman. She has a strong work ethic, proudly serves her country, has deep roots on the Texas Coast, juggles career with family, and knows how to handle a weapon.

Photo by Alysha Beck

Anderson, who grew up in Texas City, lives in League City with her boyfriend, Jeff, and her son, Tanner, 6. Anderson has served in the U.S. Navy Reserve for seven years and is on active duty orders, working at Ellington Field where she does administrative work. She’s a petty officer third class.
“My actual job in the Navy is an RP, which stand for religious program specialist,” Anderson said. “Basically, I am a secretary/body guard for the chaplain. So, watch out guys, I can handle weapons.”
Not many people in her family went to college. Anderson saw the military as a way to do something with her life, see the world and help pay for an education. The benefits aren’t bad, either, she said.
“The insurance is amazing and I love to travel,” she said. “I have been many places and just love experiencing other states/countries and cultures. Also, I love that you can get school benefits, and I love meeting new people.”
Anderson is a medical assistant at her full-time civilian job. And she’s attending College of the Mainland full-time to earn prerequisites for nursing school.
But she loves spending time with her boyfriend and son, she said.
“They both get a lot of attention from me when I am home and have time,” Anderson said.

Photo by Alysha Beck

Coast Monthly: How do you celebrate Fourth of July?
Anderson: “I grew up always eating barbecue, watching fireworks somewhere, and we’d get fire works to put off or get sparklers.”

CM: What do you like most about living on the Texas Coast?
A: “I was born here, and I can say I do love the weather. I know most people hate that it’s so hot, but I love the hot and sunny weather. I’m happiest when it’s hot and sunny outside. I feel it’s beautiful when I can go and lay out in the sun at the beach or the pool.”

CM: What do you love most about the United States of America?
A: “The freedoms to travel and experience other places. Just the ability to be free.”

CM: What does freedom mean to you?
A: “Living in a free country all of your life, you don’t even think what freedom is. People take life for granted. You can be whoever you want to be in life and go anywhere you want … Some countries aren’t so lucky. So freedom to me is just being free.”