I learned about equine therapy at a veteran retreat in Bluemont, Virginia. I immediately experienced a lot of anxiety around the large animals but as we worked more with the horses, I realized that I could work through that anxiety in many ways. As a result of the interest that had been sparked, I decided … More Equine Therapy for Veterans: A Gentle Respect
OFFICER X IS INVOLVED IN OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING (2014): EXAMPLE OF E-MAIL SENT TO LOCAL MEDIA AFTER INCIDENT: RESPONSE FROM THE REPORTER AT THE PORTLAND PRESS HERALD: LETTER TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL WHO INVESTIGATES ALL OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTINGS (2014): April 11, 2014 To Whom It May Concern (Attorney General): My name is Jennifer Norris and … More Complaint to Maine Attorney General: Overview of Police Officer’s Disturbing History Prior to Officer Involved Shooting of A Suicidal Woman With Mental Illness (2014)
The Uncounted Every day, 22 veterans commit suicide. That number is sadly familiar. It has become a symbol of the cost of war that extends beyond the battlefield. But no one is tracking war’s impact on another group: military spouses, siblings and parents. Their suicides go uncounted. The dozens of military family members I interviewed over the … More The Uncounted (CNN Special on Caregiver & Family Suicide)
The Wounded Platoon: How a platoon of soldiers, changed by war is battling mental health disorders that many blame for their violent, self-destructive behavior.
“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)
Jennifer got Onyx in May 2013 at a program for veterans called K9s for Warriors. Not only was Onyx an awesome companion during some of the most difficult times in our lives but the woman who ran K9s for Warriors with her son was a loving person we all referred to as “mom.” She really … More A Quiet Lifeline: How Onyx Helped Us Survive Relentless Online Bullying; Jennifer, Lee and Onyx Go For a Jeep Ride in Western Maine (August 10, 2013)
Petroglyph National Monument was one of those New Mexico destinations that immediately captured my attention. Ancient symbols carved into dark volcanic rock, wide-open desert scenery, and miles of walking trails make it the kind of place where history and nature exist side by side. I took several pictures during my visit, but unfortunately, I did … More A Brief Visit to Petroglyph National Monument in Albuquerque, New Mexico (June 6, 2013)
Michael Matthews gave himself away when he got drunk one night while Jennifer was in town prior to the documentary premiere. While Jennifer was in her room, she could hear Matthews on the phone with what sounded like Queen Bee devising a plan to take her down. Jennifer knew when she went back to New … More The Trip That Changed Everything: Jennifer and Onyx Fly to Albuquerque, New Mexico (June 3, 2013)
There are dates that don’t pass quietly. They return each year with weight—carrying memory, love, and a kind of ache that never really leaves. My dad’s birthday is one of those days. In 2013, Lee and I chose not to spend it in silence or avoidance. Instead, we drove to Sunday River Ski Resort in … More The Power of Shared Memories: Jennifer and Lee Celebrate William R. Stowell’s Birthday at Sunday River Ski Resort in Newry, Maine (March 21, 2013)
Congresswoman Jackie Speier Introduces STOP Act Legislation and Military Sexual Assault Campaign with Protect Our Defenders (2011) Copyrighted By Jennifer Norris, USAF Retired In 2012, Senator Barbara Boxer pushed Congress to do something that should never have required an act of Congress: prohibit the military from granting an enlistment or commissioning waiver to someone already convicted … More Why Congress Had to Bar Convicted Felony Sex Offenders From the Military—and Why That Reform Was Never Enough (November 29, 2012)
