Raised on the tough streets of Chicago’s South Side, Joan Burton overcame a troubled youth by becoming a Citadel cadet.

Through grit and determination, Joan Burton defied stereotypes and expectations, rising through the ranks of the U.S. Army.

She became Fort Marshall’s first African-American female lieutenant colonel — presently commanding more than 400 men.

But it's come at a price.

She's taken on deployments worldwide, including a difficult tour of duty in Afghanistan that caused her to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.

Placing the military before marriage has caused also Joan problems with her husband, Dr. Roland Burton. The two must deal with his cheating - and her pregnancy - as they’ve recently separated.