Catherine “CJ” Sosinsky

Born in Italy to American military parents, CJ graduated from Bradwell Institute attaining a High School Diploma on May 21st, 2005. On May 22nd, 2005 CJ went to Marine Corps Boot Camp; after attending Marine Combat Training, she then went for Military Occupational Specialty schooling at the Navy and Marine Corps Intelligence Training Center in Virginia Beach, VA to complete education and training as an 0231 – Intelligence Analyst. After training, CJ was assigned to the Intelligence Section of the 1st Marine Division stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA. CJ deployed to Iraq twice, once in 2006 with the 5th Marine Infantry Regiment and again in 2008 with the 1st Marine Infantry Regiment. During these deployments, CJ served as a “Lioness” embedded with combat units in Iraq conducting searches and information gathering of Iraqi women and children in the Fallujah and Ramadi areas. Attaining the rank of E-5/Sergeant, CJ ended her contract with the Marine Corps in 2012 having been awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal with bronze star in lieu of second award, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with bronze star in lieu of second award, a Certificate of Commendation, two Meritorious Masts and a Letter of Appreciation.

Attending and completing education at Paul Mitchell the School – San Diego, CJ attained her Cosmetology License in 2013. Working for salons in the San Diego area, CJ quickly turned to a specialty in barbering. After moving to Florida, CJ worked with Sport Clips Haircuts assisting in the opening of three locations in the greater Jacksonville area and became a store manager. Having worked for six years behind the chair, CJ tried her hand next at welding. Attending and completing education at Tulsa Welding School – Jacksonville, CJ worked as a Welder 2nd Class at Naval Station Mayport. CJ had the opportunity to work on the USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7), USS Philippine Sea (CG-58), USS Hue City (CG-66), USS The Sullivans (DDG-68), USS Farragut (DDG-99), and USS Samuel B. Roberts (FFG-58).

Wanting to bring awareness to Veteran Suicide, CJ started work with Til Valhalla Project. CJ was brought on as a Laser Engraving Operator, she developed two shifts of teams creating laser engraved products on various materials with various engravers, while maintaining the research of Fallen Heroes and production of personalized Fallen Hero Plaque Memorials. These Memorials are gifted to the families of Fallen Heros completely free of charge and most times, unknowingly. In 2020, Til Valhalla Project created and delivered about 16 Memorials per month, within CJ’s first 30 days, that number was doubled. Having to move to a larger location in 2022, CJ became the Fallen Hero Team Lead, tasked with leading a team of Veterans and Patriots creating upwards of 80 Memorials per month and starting an Annual Memorial Plaque Build where Fallen Hero Families, First Responders, and Veterans could build Memorial’s personally.

Looking towards creating a career in the legal community, CJ worked at the St. Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller’s Office. CJ served the residents of St. Johns County as a Certified Court Clerk working in the Felony, Misdemeanor, and Veterans Treatment Courts. CJ started working in the private sector for the Law Offices of Shorstein and Lee as a Legal Assistant in June 2024.