Kayla Roslan

Graduated Sentinel Petty Officer Third Class, U.S. Navy

Unsure of what she wanted to do with her life, but knowing she wanted to travel, Kayla joined the U.S. Navy at 17 years old. Ready for a challenge she selected the nuclear path. While stationed aboard the USS John C. Stennis, she developed idiopathic urticaria resulting in her being deemed ineligible for deployment with the treatments needed. Due to her being non-deployable, her career as a nuclear electrician was over. With the help of a supportive family and a husband who has been by her side through all appointments, treatments, and surgeries, she maintained a positive attitude and found the drive to go to school and find her next focus.

While attending Olympic College for her associates, she met a Sentinel who told her about Sentinels of Freedom and how we assisted him. Kayla was accepted to the spring 2019 cohort. During her time with SoF, she was provided financial support and counseling, mentoring, and resume-building assistance, as well as her husband, who is also a Navy veteran, was connected with 7 Eagle Group to assist with job placement services. Kayla, Chad, and their son currently live in Oakdale, CA, and have started a successful candle business, Sparks Fly Candle Co. Sentinels of Freedom was able to connect Kayla with the National Veteran Business Development Council to get their business certified as a Disabled Veteran Owned and Operated and promoted Kayla’s business at the 2022 Sentinels Gala by placing an order to include in the SWAG bags for all the guests. Kayla was able to network with other organizations and businesses at the gala for future business as well. They are currently working on growing their business and enjoying as much family time as possible.

“Sentinels of Freedom believed in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself, and they gave me a scholarship that changed my life. I was able to attend school with a newfound financial security that made my unexpected transition into civilian life much more manageable, and I had an entire network of people who supported me, giving me a newfound hope for my new life as a civilian… Because of you, I was able to grow into the person I have become now; chasing a dream I didn’t know that I had. Opening our business has been such a fulfilling journey and one I would not have been provided if I hadn’t been honored to receive your scholarship. “
– Kayla Roslan