I’ve been wanting to do a 5K for quite some time but because of Post Traumatic Stress never found the courage to follow through until my friends Valari and Xandy inspired me. Over the years, I watched them collect money for the Dempsey Challenge 5K, talk about how the experience inspires them, and get their … More Dempsey Challenge 5K in Honor of My Late Father William R. Stowell (2015)
I was a hot mess before I got my service dog. I am so thankful I followed through on getting a service dog because she has changed my life significantly. I had tried everything and found myself sinker deeper and deeper into isolation and didn’t know how to fight it. I am a veteran with … More 15 Ways My K9s for Warriors Service Dog Has Helped Me (2015)
I’ve always loved traveling. As a matter of a fact traveling was one of the things I loved about serving in the military. I couldn’t believe the places I got sent to train and work throughout the years. It was exciting to explore new places, meet new friends, and be a part of something bigger … More America’s National Parks Help Heal My CPTSD (2015)
Wounded Warrior Project got me out of the house last year for a little fall festivities in Maine. It helped open my mind back up to the simplicity of life. Getting out in the community and taking in the fresh air is good for us. Although I was struggling with social anxiety a lot more … More Apple Picking at Ricker Hill Orchards in Maine
This eat clean grocery list was provided by EXOS. Protein (with each meal/snack) Fish Shellfish Tuna (in water) Chicken breast (skinless) Chicken breast (deli) Ground chicken Turkey breast Turkey breast (deli) Ground turkey Steak Lean roast beef (deli) Lean ham (deli) Ground beef Pork tenderloin/chop Omega-3 Eggs Hard-boiled omega-3 eggs Egg whites Skim/1% milk Skim/1% … More The Ideal Grocery List for High Octane Fuel
Camaraderie is the spirit of friendship and community in a group, like the camaraderie of soldiers at war who keep each other upbeat despite the difficulty of their circumstances. Wounded Warrior Project has been a godsend in my life. It started with the first program I attended about a year ago and has only continued to get better. … More Wounded Warrior Project Helps Veterans Build Camaraderie (2015)
Dear Airline Carriers, Last night I learned that one of my fellow veterans was denied access to board a plane in Los Angeles, California because he couldn’t produce paperwork for his service dog. First of all, there is no official paperwork. Secondly, by federal law you are not supposed to ask us for paperwork, let … More An Open Letter to All Airlines Regarding Service Dogs
Like a lot of Americans, I have a hard time around 9/11. It’s hard to even write about it but I am going to push through the fear. Like Eleanor Roosevelt has been quoted: “Courage is more exhilarating than fear and in the long run it is easier.” (As I take deep breaths.) This statement … More Traumatized by Criminals, Toxic Military Leaders, & My Father’s Sudden Death, Then Stop Lossed, Poisoned with Lead, and Suicidal in the Air Force… But I’m Not a “Real” Veteran (2015)
Writing is therapeutic. Since day one of the journey to heal Post Traumatic Stress, writing has been recommended as a way to process thoughts. Throughout the years journals have been provided by the various organizations who help victims of sexual assault because it helps. At first it was suggested you write regardless of whether it … More The Use of Imagery in Writing
In my research to learn more about my own health, I learned that there have been studies conducted that in fact have confirmed that women veterans are at risk of heart disease. And I know exactly why considering I am one of them. I too was red flagged by the VA for being at risk … More Women Veterans, PTSD, and Heart Disease
Jennifer and Lee 