TAMPA, Fla. — Walmart's Heroes & Headliners concert honored local Tampa veteran Maxine Reyes and others on Veterans Day. 

Reyes has always carried music in her heart. Singing has been a way of life for her, no matter where life took her. 

“This I received when I was departing Afghanistan,” said Reyes in her Tampa home, pointing to one of many plaques, awards and pictures of her time in service.

She is a combat veteran, having served in Afghanistan, Qatar, Kuwait and Haiti. She served 11 years in the U.S. Air Force and then another 11 years in the Army. 

She saw conflict and helped people in need. 

“I never stopped singing,” smiled Reyes. “Even through the difficult times, music has brought solace to me.”

Reyes was born in Jamaica, and then moved to the U.S. as a teenager. 

“I was 15, and I joined the Air Force after high school,” said Reyes. 

Her Jamaican roots have never been forgotten. In fact, tears still flow when she sings a song she wrote about her great-grandmother. 

“That song is an original that I wrote years ago, and it still triggers my childhood memories of her,” said Reyes, through tear-filled eyes. 

Family has always been important to her. Service led Reyes to meet the love of her life. 

“This is my husband’s, although I was a commander as well, this Captain Reyes is my husband,” she said, pointing to another poster on the wall. 

Kenneth Reyes also served in both the Air Force and Army. The pair has a teenage daughter now, who is also beginning to do some singing with her mom. 

“I am just looking forward to seeing her shine as well, because this is something she loves, and she is not sure if she wants to pursue it, but for now she loves to just do it with me,” said Reyes.