C. Johnson

When you serve in the military, you are surrounded by like-minded people. They become your family and a part of who you are now. I served with some of the most wonderful people I have ever met to date. However, when you leave your life changes. You are no longer in a group of people with the same values, hopes and dreams, and every day is a challenge. You’re challenged through your ideals, you’re challenged by your experiences, and even challenged by your reaction to those experiences. And for some, our geographical location continues to isolate and challenge our abilities to connect with others like us. And for the few, our gender as well. WWIA brought me to a place when I was able to meet another female Purple Heart veteran. In the last 14 years, the challenge of isolation and challenge of character was placed on hold while I was able to put down the shields of war and rest, with the peace of mind to share stories and coping techniques of people just like me. Meeting another female Purple Heart Warrior brought back a piece of my soul I thought was lost forever. WWIA is a rare experience that saves lives.