Army veteran continues public service at Benton County Sheriff’s Office

Benton County launched its recognition of Women’s History Month on March 3 with a proclamation before the Board of Commissioners. Now, the County is highlighting a special week within the month. National Women’s Military History Week, observed annually from March 16-20, honors the service, sacrifices and achievements of women in the U.S. armed forces. 

One of the women veterans who serves the County every day is Katalin “Kathy” Pusztavari, who served in the U.S. Army before continuing her commitment to public service through her work supporting law enforcement operations and community programs in Benton County. 

Military service

Pusztavari served in the Army as a legal specialist. She was stationed at Fort Gordon, Georgia, and Fort Lewis, Washington, where she assisted Judge Advocate General (JAG) attorneys and supported legal operations. 

Her fellow service members and opportunities to travel were among the most meaningful parts of her military experience. 

“I enjoyed the people I worked with and the roles and responsibilities in the various installations I was stationed at,” Pusztavari said. “I also loved the east coast and the trips I took on vacation to view Virginia, Georgia and Florida.” 

Today, Pusztavari supports the Benton County Sheriff’s Office as a Policy and Accreditation Specialist. Her work focuses on ensuring agency policies and forms are up to date and gathering documentation required to maintain professional accreditation standards. 

She also coordinates several community outreach efforts, including the Sheriff’s Office Citizens’ Academy, National Prescription Drug Take Back events and preparation of the agency’s annual report. 

Continuing a career of service

Pusztavari said the skills she developed during military service continue to influence the way she approaches her work today. 

“My job requires me to be methodical in record keeping and tracking items,” she said. “In the military I learned to keep inventory of my own items, assist JAG attorneys and follow the chain of command.” 

Those lessons, she said, continue to guide her work in a structured law enforcement environment. 

“Working in the military also taught me to respect ranking officers and non-commissioned officers and understand how organizations function within a chain of command,” she said. 

Pusztavari said many veterans quietly continue their commitment to service long after their military careers end. 

“You never know if you are working next to someone who has served,” she said. “Some people may not want to advertise that they have served, but most have likely found it a privilege and honor.” 

Learn more about Benton County’s recognition of Women’s History Month: 
https://boc.bentoncountyor.gov/benton-county-celebrates-womens-history-month/ 

Learn more about Women’s Military History Month: 
https://www.military.com/history/womens-history-month