Simone Lara is a public affairs specialist in the California Army National Guard. Between training and activations, she works in the Hollywood industry as a writer, actress, and model (under the name Simone Silva). Her creative passions include street photography, painting, sketching, and tattoos. As an active member of several nonprofits, Simone is an outspoken advocate for veteran welfare and wellness. Simone drinks iced coffee with a splash of oat milk year-round and believes decaf is from the devil. Her writing and visual work have been published by the DOD and military news outlets and can be found on her website www.imagesbysimone.com.