Where did you serve and what did you do?

United States Air Force 20 Year Retired Desert Storm Combat Veteran.

How are you Still Serving?

As I came to terms with a diagnosis of Clinical/Tonic Generalized Seizures (Gran MAL) at the age of 63 from a Traumatic Brain Injury, it was our dog Boudin of 5 years that helped me feel more confident in continuing my passion of helping other veterans. Boudin knew before my husband and I what was going on with my brain. In the beginning of my seizures Boudin would “alert” but of course we had no clue that was what he was doing. My seizures are not triggered therefore, they were not regular nor were they predictable. As it became evident that the seizures were something that needed to be investigated more thoroughly, I became more withdrawn, stepped back from my positions in the VFW at all levels. I worried if I could still continue what I love the most, helping veterans. Boudin has helped me in bringing back life and self confidence. He allows me the freedom and security knowing if I were to have a seizure he’s there with instructions and medication to help those around me to help me. Boudin keeps me safe while I’m seizing but more importantly he knows when my brain is above the norm where the seizures can begin. In alerting me during those times allows me to sit or lay down in case that I do seize. This allows me to document how I’m feeling at that moment in order to see if there is a pattern. As Boudin and I jump back into life in our community, we attend church regularly, I am an active member of the VFW and Boudin is welcomed at all meetings and activities we do for our veterans. We participate at all levels of the VFW, Post, District and State.

Why do you do it?

My participation in the VFW is not where it was two years ago but with Boudins help I’m confident I’ll be back to what I feel is normal before the seizures. Having a new norm with Boudin is exciting and comforting in knowing that life doesn’t stop with a diagnosis, regardless of the ailment. My moto is, “Life is too short to be unhappy,” and with Boudin he gives me an opportunity to live my life to the fullest and give me my purpose back, therefore, giving me my happy space. When we lose our passion regardless what you believe in, it makes for a very sad person and life. I have worked with veterans since 2007 when I began to work with the VFW. This is where I found my passion, helping vets with issues with the VA, readjusting to civilian life, and putting food on their table. Helping a veteran to regain their footing in a world that doesn’t always know how to help, I find it very rewarding and with Boudin by my side, I am confident continuing to help those in more need than myself.