Ericka Ann Johnson

Name: Ericka Ann Johnson
City/State: Alexandria, VA
Branch of Service: US Marine Corps Reserve
Years of Service: 2011 to Present
Last Rank Held: Maj/O-4
Military Occupation: 4402/Judge Advocate (lawyer)

Tell us a little about you outside of the military:

Outside of the military, I am a dedicated mother to an amazing three-year-old who keeps me on my toes and a wife to an incredibly supportive partner. Professionally, I serve as Senior Privacy & Security Counsel at TikTok, leading efforts on cybersecurity, privacy compliance, and regulatory response in a complex legal landscape. In my personal time, I enjoy lifting heavy weights and spending time at the beach, where I find balance and clarity. My passion for service extends beyond my career—I am committed to advocating for veterans and supporting initiatives that enhance their well-being and opportunities.

Why are you joining the IAVA Cavalry?

I am joining the Calvary because advocating for service members, particularly women, is deeply personal to me. In the wake of the Dobbs decision, ensuring that women in uniform have access to reproductive healthcare, including abortion services, is a critical fight I am committed to. Equally important is honoring our Afghan allies who risked their lives to support us—ensuring they receive the compensation and protections they deserve is a moral obligation. Beyond advocacy, I want to continue serving alongside like-minded veterans, strengthening our community and ensuring those who have sacrificed for this country are not forgotten.

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

My military service gave me invaluable perspective on what truly matters. While deployed to Kabul, I volunteered at an all-girls orphanage, where I witnessed firsthand the resilience of young girls who had so little, yet embraced life with unwavering strength. It was a profound reminder of how blessed I am to be an American and the responsibility that comes with it. The Marine Corps instilled in me discipline, selflessness, and an unshakable commitment to service. I learned to put the needs of my fellow Americans above my own, a principle that continues to guide my career and advocacy today.

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

One of the most pressing issues facing service members today is access to abortion rights in the wake of the Dobbs decision. Overnight, thousands of troops and their families stationed in states with restrictive abortion laws faced unprecedented barriers to essential healthcare. Unlike civilians, they cannot simply relocate to seek care. Women veterans in those states were also left without options, as the VA was initially unable to provide needed services. Restricting reproductive healthcare harms military readiness, retention, and national security. I stand with IAVA in ensuring that service members and veterans have access to the care they need.

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

I have the strongest personal connection to protecting abortion rights for service members and veterans. As an attorney, witnessing the overturning of Roe v. Wade was deeply troubling—not just for its immediate impact, but for the cascading consequences it has on women, especially those in uniform. Service members do not have the freedom to choose where they are stationed, meaning many are now subject to restrictive state laws that limit their access to critical reproductive healthcare. This not only affects their autonomy but also their readiness and well-being. I am committed to fighting for policies that protect their rights.