SGM Bushner was born in Nassau, Bahamas. She was raised in Pennsauken, New Jersey along with her three sisters and one brother. SGM Bushner enlisted in the military in August of 1999 at Miami MEPS. She attended Basic Training at Ft. Jackson, SC, assigned to the 1-34th INF REG BN. Upon completion of BCT she went to AIT in Ft. Sam Houston, TX as a Combat Medic (91B) and graduated in February of 2000.
SGM Bushner assumes the duties as Command Sergeant Major for Walter Reed Army Institute of Research on 21 March 2025. Her previous duties include: the Inspector General Sergeant Major for the Joint Task Force National Capital Region at the Military District of Washington, Fort McNair, D.C.; Sergeant Major for the Army Medical Logistics Command in Fort Detrick, Maryland; Chief Medical Sergeant Major for the United States Army Medical Material Agency in Ft Detrick, Maryland; Senior Operations NCO at the 121 Combat Support Hospital in Yongsan, Korea; First Sergeant at Martin Army Community Hospital of Alpha Company in Fort Benning, Georgia; Senior Clinical NCO of an Emergency Room at Martin Army Community Hospital in Fort Benning, Georgia; Senior Drill Sergeant of Alpha Company 1/34 Infantry Regiment in Fort Jackson, South Carolina; Platoon Sergeant and Senior Medic for 716th MP BN assigned to 218th MP Company in Fort Campbell, Kentucky; Senior Physical Therapy NCO at Heidelberg Hospital in Heidelberg, Germany; Evacuation Platoon Squad Leader for Charlie Company 296th Brigade Support Battalion in Fort Lewis, Washington. SGM Bushner deployed twice to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003 and in 2009 for Iraqi Sovereignty.
SGM Bushner’s military education includes the Army Airborne School, Air Assault School, Master Fitness Instructor, Master Combatives Instructor, Warrior Leaders Course, Basic Leaders Course, Advanced Leaders Course, United States Army Sergeant Major Academy (Class 70), Drill Sergeant School, Inspector General School, Green and Black Belt Lean Six Sigma, Health Services Plans, Operations, Intelligence, Security & Training (70H), First Sergeant Pre-Command Course.
She earned an Associate’s Degree in General Education in Technology, a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Management and is involved in many community outreach programs. SGM Bushner is currently one class short of attaining a Masters in Organizational Management from Ashford University of which she will complete this year.
SGM Bushner’s awards include: Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (1 OLC), Army Commendation Medal (1 silver OLC, 1 bronze OLC), Army Achievement Medal (1 silver OLC, 3 bronze OLC), Army Good Conduct Medal (8th Award), National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Ribbon, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (Number 4), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon (Number 4), Drill Sergeant Badge, Combat Medical Badge, Expert Field Medical Badge, Parachute Badge, Air Assault Badge, German Proficiency Sports Badge (Bronze), German Schützenschnur in Gold, and Driver’s Badge.