I chose to work for Warriors Heart as a way of giving back to fellow veterans, as well as gaining some insights for myself. Being a veteran, I can understand and appreciate the struggles some face. My late husband had an excessive drinking problem that eventually claimed his life when he drove under the influence; I was left pregnant and alone and didn’t feel like I had the support of the military as fully as I had hoped. I grew up with alcohol around, and didn’t realize my father was a binge drinking alcoholic until I was much older. My older brother struggled with a prescription drug addiction for approximately 20 years until he eventually lost his life in 2014. Currently, I am helping my son to overcome his drug addiction and live a strong, healthy, sober life for himself and his son. Understanding how addiction affects the family is what I already know and can give back to my fellow warriors. I am working toward completion on a degree in counseling, as well as attempting to begin another masters in social work. My hope is that although I have much to offer, my licenses will afford me additional knowledge that I can add to my personal understanding, and help make the lives of those around me healthier and happier.