We sold the house on September 2, 2022 and headed first to Tennessee so Lee could see his kids and meet his grandkids. We were both really sick during the entire home selling process and when we drove across the country. We went out of our way to spend time with Lee’s family before making … More Life After Maine: Our Move to Imperial Beach (2022)
We were sad to learn today (August 1, 2025) that Donny Holder passed away shortly before we sold our home in Rumford, Maine and moved out west in 2022. We spent some time with Donny and his twin brother in the 2010-2011 time frame. We invited him into our home because we wanted to help … More Donny Holder of Rumford, Maine Passed Away; Left a Legacy of Heartfelt Rap Music: Wicked Syndicate – $centsless Behavior CD (2022)
Related Links:Home Base Veteran Story: Jennifer & Lee NorrisAir National Guard Recruiter Drugs and Rapes New Recruit (1996)Sexual Assault and Abuse of Authority at Keesler Air Force Base (1997)The Impact of Toxic Military Leadership: Lower Enlisted Airman Runs for Her Life, Transfers to Another State to Prevent Suicide (2001)The Emotional Toll of Military Injustice: No Justice, Retaliation, Zero … More Home Base Veteran Story: Jennifer & Lee Norris (2017)
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)
As I am gaining strength mentally, I am working on getting my body in the here and now as well. Thankfully because of my service dog, I can get over the paralyzing feeling of anxiety and get the heck up on out of my house. I look forward to having an excuse to leave the … More The Power of Service Dogs: Overcoming PTSD with Onyx
“It’s Against Our Policy” was originally published on March 5, 2014 How many jobs have I worked at where “It’s Against our Policy” ended it all. The ironic thing: nothing is ever in writing, standards have not been set (or the boss can do whatever but control you), and once you agree to volunteer, you … More Workplace Abuse and Bullying: My Story as a Veteran Advocate in the “MST Community” (2014)
At thirty, you think you still have time. Time to ask more questions. Time to sit a little longer at the kitchen table. Time to notice the small things—like how your father always paused before answering, not because he didn’t know what to say, but because he wanted to say it right. You don’t expect … More Navigating Life After Losing a Parent: Jennifer, Lee, Onyx and Sarge Visit William R. Stowell’s Gravesite on the 12th Anniversary of Death (September 14, 2013)
Deadly Force: Police and the Mentally Ill:Part 1: When police pull the trigger in crisis, the mentally ill often are the ones being shotPart 2: Across nation, unsettling acceptance when mentally ill in crisis are killedPart 3: Maine police make spotty use of crisis trainingPart 4: Families mostly powerless when mentally ill adult resists help … More The Portland Press Herald Reported the Series “Deadly Force: Police and the Mentally Ill” (2012)
Veteran’s Day Ceremony 2012Sponsored by Maine Veterans Art ProjectVA Maine Healthcare System, Augusta, Maine November 9, 2012 I am struggling to find a place to begin. Do I tell you all the nitty gritty details to persuade you that I am telling you the truth, do I just simply state what happened and assume that … More ‘A Place to Begin’ by Jennifer Norris, USAF Retired [Video] (2012)
We observed what appeared to be unregulated power, police departments are part of the political machine, and we have no say in how we are ruled. FIRST VERSION OF LETTER TO COP BLOCK: This is a guest submitted post describing their experience with the local police DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SIGNS ARE A JOKE! First I want to start … More Cop Block: Finance Committee Member Targeted for Political Purposes By Local PD During a Mental Health Crisis Turned “Domestic Disturbance” (2011)
Jennifer and Lee 