Heather Ellis proudly served in the Army, embracing the opportunity to explore the world and fund her college education through military service.
Her favorite assignment was at Fort Huachuca, AZ, where she cherished the breathtaking sunsets. However, she also holds dear memories of her time at DLI in Monterey, CA, where she enjoyed the invigorating runs along the beach, saw seals on the docks, and experienced some of the best farmers’ markets ever.
Among her fondest memories is the camaraderie shared with fellow soldiers. One memorable experience was volunteering as den mothers for the Boy Scouts one weekend, bonding over the ingenious contraptions they crafted to catch lizards without harming them.
Transitioning back to civilian life posed significant challenges, as she had to reacquaint herself with civilian language and navigate questions about her military career, which was shrouded in confidentiality.
The military profoundly influenced her post-service life, instilling a newfound sense of self-investment, confidence, and determination.
Her biggest challenge upon returning to civilian life was the lack of support and the unfamiliarity of the civilian world.
Despite initial struggles, she found resources through the VA and later connected with fellow veterans through organizations like the American Legion and the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs. Social media also played a crucial role in facilitating connections and accessing information about veteran-related events and resources.
Today, Heather Ellis continues to utilize her veteran benefits, recognizing their importance in supporting her journey as a veteran navigating civilian life. She received her bachelor’s degree after separating from the army. She used the credits she received at the Defense Language Institute to receive a minor in Spanish while graduating from college. Learning another language while in the Army was one of the biggest benefits she received.
