Branch: Army
Years Served: 5
Rank: O-3
Military Occupation: Armor
Twitter Handle: @cascadiancomm

Tell us a little about you outside of the military:

• I have been working the past 10 years in the international humanitarian/ disaster relief sector. Working in this space has been very positive for me, as I have been able to find a direct connection between my military service and working across difficult and complicated international contexts.  It also has connected to a deep sense of an obligation to service, collaborating with communities as they navigate crisis.

Why are you joining the IAVA Cavalry?

• While the public expresses significant public support for military veterans, I feel there is remains a disconnect between that expressed support and actual support being provided. 
• I want to contribute to the voices that help to narrow this gap through public awareness, education and advocating positive, solution-focused change.

How did your military experience shape you to be the person you are today?

• The most significant lesson I drew from my experience is our primary responsibility to care for each other.  Anything that we wish to accomplish is only possible if at first we are looking out for each. In those situations where the level of support is insufficient, the priority must be reconciling that.  Through this you build trust in teams and communities, allowing greater collaboration and achievement.

Which one of IAVA’s policy priorities for you believe is the most pressing? Why?

• Women Veterans.  I believe there continues to be insufficient understanding within the public for what it means for women to serve, the challenges faced and how has a significant impact on their experience post-service. 

Which one of IAVA’s policy priorities do you have the strongest personal connection to? Why?

• Modernizing the VA.  I have experienced nothing but bureaucracy from the VA since my separation.  While I have without doubt had positive interactions with individuals trying to help, the systems is so massive and intimidating that I have largely avoided interacting with it unless necessary. 
• I feel that others who need support more than I are also discouraged from engaging with the VA and are therefore living with difficulties that they otherwise have support to overcome.