Jennifer Ross

• Branch: USAF
• Years Served: 2002-2023
• Rank: E7
• Military Occupation: Military Intelligence
• Twitter Handle: @JennLemon813

Tell us a little about you outside of the military:

Since retiring last year, I’ve been involved in supporting many different VSOs and have found that I feel more empowered and my voice can be so much louder outside of uniform. I still find myself interested in improving life for those service members that will serve after me and that is why I want to remain involved in highlighting current issues and help bring about lasting and impactful improvements and change. I want to bring a face to issues surrounding women service members, enlisted members, military spouses, student veterans, and retirees – all hats I’ve worn over my 20-year career and beyond.

Why are you joining the IAVA Cavalry?

I want to remain involved in highlighting current issues and help bring about lasting and impactful improvements and change. My goal is to bring a face to issues surrounding women service members, enlisted members, military spouses, student veterans, and retirees – all roles I’ve experienced over my 20-year career.

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

My service gave me a confidence I never knew. Growing up as a poor kid in the south, my service was an opportunity to change my future, travel the world, and support profound and rewarding missions, all while growing professionally and personally. My experiences, both positive and challenging, have forever changed my life, and I want to ensure I used my time in the military to make life better for others.

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

Modernizing the VA and ensuring adequate support for the increasing women veteran population is the most pressing. The number of women service members leaving active duty is increasing exponentially, yet there are very few locations with services specifically tied to women’s care. I have experienced firsthand the positive impact of having all my care under one umbrella at the women’s clinic in the DC VA Hospital, and I want to expand this type of service to as many locations as possible.

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

I am most passionate about expanding the dialogue surrounding alternative therapies and removing the stigma and employment limitations placed on veterans who use these types of medications. I have found medical marijuana products highly effective for managing chronic back pain, anxiety, and sleep issues. Unfortunately, using these products has disqualified me from pursuing a federal career, while using habit-forming opioids would not have. This discrepancy needs to be addressed to ensure veterans are not penalized for choosing alternative pain management and to broaden the talent pool for federal positions.