Sherry

I was born in Upstate NY, in the Adirondack Park, and am very grateful for my roots. I am one of the last of eight children, a twin. I grew up on a ninety acre farm. I love the area I came from. It is truly one of the last unspoiled places. It is my deeply held belief that my exposure to this wilderness region, and to the wild life it fosters, has contributed to my ability to recover from what has been my trauma.

I received my A.A.S. degree, in 1981, from Clinton Community College, Plattsburgh, NY. While holding four part-time jobs I delayed enlisted in the U.S. Army. In January, 1981, I entered active duty as a Medical Specialist. My main incentive was serving my country. From 1981 to 1986, I proudly served. I received Basic Training at Fort McClellen, Alabama; Advanced Individual Training at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. I was first stationed in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and later Stuttgart, West Germany. I left active military service in January, 1984, adding three years of reserve time at the local VA hospital.

In 1986, I went to work for the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) which was then the Veterans Administration. I worked for DVA until 2000. During my tenure with VA I held positions which included, Supervisor, Medical Transcription; Chief, Ward Administration; Chief, Medical Information and Assistant Chief, Medical Administration Service. In 1995, while working full time, I received my B.S. degree in Business and Management from the University of Phoenix. In January 2000, I went to work for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as a Health Policy Analyst in the Office of Inspector General.

That’s my Bio but it doesn’t speak to what happened to me and what brought me to the Women’s Trauma Recovery Program (WTRP). My therapist speaks of my “Contradictions.” I am living evidence. Things can look great on the outside and feel terribly broken on the inside. Following an armed robbery in 1996, I struggled with what was later to be diagnosed as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Major Depression. Following the robbery it took me a year to seek assistance. I thought I could deal with it on my own. I was mistaken. Through therapy I’ve learned that it’s not always important to appear in control. That’s my mask. I’ve learned that sometimes showing your vulnerability can actually be a sign of strength. It took me a long time to get here. In therapy the story that unraveled was years of trauma and abuse, perpetrated on me predominately in the military. I had mistaken beliefs that what had happened to me was normal. It was not. In 2001 I had to accept disability retirement. Ultimately my therapist recommended the WTRP at the VA Palo Alto Health Care System.

What I want to share with you is the fact that the WTRP has saved my life. I’ve shared a brief segment of my Bio with you so that you know that PTSD happens. It can happen to anyone. It took years of trauma and stuffing of feelings to get me to the WTRP. I don’t wish that for you. This program has given me tools that I utilize to get through what had previously been unbearable episodes of panic and flashbacks. Life is meaningful again. I have been doubly blessed because as a resident of Northern California I meet on a weekly basis with a WTRP alumni group. My wish is that other VA facilities across this country will recognize the need to provide such services to this under-represented group of veterans. We as Women Veterans need to speak up and be heard. Through this program I have discovered a community of women “My Pack” who not only understand, but “get it.” I have discovered a voice that has been too long stifled.

Thanksgiving Day - Morning Pampas


This photograph is dedicated to the women and staff of the "Women's Trauma Recovery Program," U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Menlo Park, California. On behalf of Women Veterans everywhere, for you tireless devotion, commitment to public education and understanding of issues, related to the treatment needs and trauma issues, facing women veterans, We Salute You!