Where did you serve and what did you do?

I hadn’t gotten any commitment before enlistment regarding what job I would do. When the job specialty discussions began, I gravitated toward becoming a chapel manager. I grew up in the church so it was a natural fit for me. After graduating from Basic Training, I headed off for eight weeks of Chapel Management School at Keesler AFB near Biloxi, Mississippi. Chapels Managers provide organization and management of chapel activities. Duties include standard office practices, written communications, public relations, application of principles of funds accounting, preparation of budgets and publicity materials, and management of property and equipment.

How are you Still Serving?

After my separation from the military, I delved into advocating for the needs of my fellow veterans. My membership in organizations such as the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Student Veterans Associations are all platforms to advocate for the rights of veterans in general but especially in this community. For decades it has been my personal mission to share this understanding with my peers. The survival of the community is dependent on the people.
It has been my personal mission to share this understanding with veterans in the community who believe that veteran’s organizations are just a bar or a night spot. It is a meeting place for veterans who share the same experiences and history, a place to seek assistance with veteran affairs, caregivers to our sick and elderly, nurturers to our young, a stepping stone to gaining leadership in the community, and for some of us a home away from home. I love working with my fellow comrades on post activities and in our community.
Dwindling membership numbers leaves less volunteers to do more work with less resources. Our aging veteran community has many needs that are not being met by local, state and federal governments. Break downs in Veterans Health Administration (VA) systems resulting from aging facilities, facilities closing and benefit processing delays leave thousands of veterans without proper care and resources. As an advocate for veterans and veteran’s services, I continuously reach out to local, state and national politicians and governing bodies. Most of the outreach is by phone and writing. The best impact is made with “boots on the ground” – actually going to congressional sessions and caucuses to lobby for veterans benefits and benefit reform. I would love to do more but already sacrifice as much of my own family time and resources that I can spare.

Why do you do it?

As a female woman of color, I represent several minority groups. We (veterans) are one of the most forgotten and least thought of. Unless individuals have been personally impacted by the gaps in benefits and programs, there are very few avenues for resources or assistance. While I'm still able bodied I strive for improvements for my fellow veterans and better conditions when I am in need.