I served in the United States Navy from 2007 to 2012. I joined the military as an opportunity to travel and get a college degree at 17. I come from a military family and wanted to continue the tradition. My favorite assignment was getting to experience Diego Garcia, which is a unique location in the world, and it was so beautiful. My best memory was coming home from almost a year there and seeing my 3-year-old daughter at the airport for the first time.
The difficult transition to civilian life made it all worth it to be with her every day, but finding people I relate to was hard and continues to be difficult. Women who have served in the military have a unique camaraderie, and we all have a sisterhood.
For the first 10 years of my absence, I struggled to find resources and was hesitant and not willing to branch out of my comfort zone. I had always done small fundraisers for local veteran charities and DAV, Wounded Warrior, and other organizations, but I never saw myself as worthy of getting help.
More recently, I’ve connected with the County VSO, received business grants from WDVA, connected with the VA, and my quality of life, relationships, and parenting have all improved so much. The opportunities the VA has given me have brought me to live a full life again, and I want to help other veterans, male and female, find that sense of peace in their lives, knowing they’re supported.
