There are letters dating back to the Revolutionary War from combat veterans reminding our country of its promise to take care of them and documenting the fact that they were not receiving the much needed assistance they were promised; they went from fighting a war to fighting for what they deserved. Almost 300 years later, the current era of veterans is taking matters into their own hands and creating programs and non-profits that are helping to fill the gap that still exists. In the early days of this country, veterans advocated for healthcare to address physical wounds incurred during service, and eventually for pensions and disability. Then veterans asked for other benefits like the GI Bill, housing programs, and more substantial treatments for what was finally coined PTSD in the 80's. Now that the VA has acknowledged that they cannot address all of the needs of the veterans asking them for assistance, they have agreed to the Mission Act, which allows veterans in certain situations to choose where they go for health care. With only 40% of veterans seeking services at the VA, more and more veterans will be seeking varying kinds of healthcare services in the community and hoping that the country that thanks them for their service can handle the burdens they carry.

Ever since the beginning of war, the veterans fighting those wars have been wanting to provide feedback about their experiences on behalf of the younger generation of service members, in hopes that it would save them from future heartache. It's a continuation of their bravery and selflessness but also an act of self-healing. In sharing and being vulnerable they begin to take ownership of the consequences of the trauma they experienced by facing it head on like the enemy. They also set the example for other veterans that asking for help is a sign of strength and wisdom. Once they can finally put words to it without it ripping their soul apart then they have reached the other side. When they get to the other side, they see that by sharing what they went through with other people, the next veteran can potentially skip the years of suffering and start winning battles in their mind much earlier. 

My mission is to be the translator between the well-intentioned, unknowing healthcare professional and the veteran. I have had a foot in both worlds for 10 years, not only as a veteran but also as a mental health service provider to veterans, and can speak the language of both the veteran and the clinician. This is how I want to advocate for my brothers and sisters of future generations.