One local woman contributes to the veteran and gay communities.
She was in the Marines under the "don't ask, don't tell" policy.
She said it was a scary time for her and others serving the U.S.
Now, she's giving back to her community.
Alejandra Hernandez is a first-generation Mexican American, who was born in Aurora.
She's a proud Marine Corps veteran, who enlisted in the Marines right after high school.
"I embodied honor, courage and commitment from the Marine Corps, those traits that were instilled in me," Hernandez said.
The Pilsen neighborhood resident is also a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community. She served at the Marine Corp Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina from 2005 to 2009.
"And during that time I couldn't be openly out. I had to keep it really closed, had to keep it like a secret," Hernandez said. "I had to lie. I was being very unauthentic, and I now try to tell people, 'you need to be authentic. You need to be yourself. You only get one life.'"
Hernandez is helping veterans, service members and their families in need.
Hernandez was in the Beverly neighborhood for "Pints for Patriots." The event raises money for the "Road Home" program at Rush.
"We are raising funds; so we continue to help those that are seeking mental health care. We focus on PTSD, and we have a specialty in military service trauma," Hernandez said.
She's also the Chicago chapter president for American Veterans for Equal Rights.
"Especially in the trans community that are trying to get some people to advocate for them, especially those who want to change their discharge status," Hernandez said.
This summer, Hernandez says she's celebrating the colors of the rainbow for Pride and red, white and blue in July.
"It means being yourself. It means showing up and being authentic," Hernandez said.
"It's amazing what we have overcome, but there are a lot of challenges ahead and hope that we as a community can show up and help one another," Hernandez said.
Hernandez says she will be marching in Chicago and Washington, D.C.'s Pride parades, representing American Veterans for Equal Rights.