I Enlisted into the U.S. Navy in 1994. I wanted to be able to go to college and just was not getting anywhere. I was already a certified Radiologic technologist and wanted something more. I had originally planned to Enlist for 5 years and then leave and go to college. I was introduced to the college tuition assistance plan by my Chief and from then on I focused on getting my degree while serving as a “x-ray” tech specializing in Mammography, in Pearl Harbor, HI. I was able to complete a Bachelor’s in Psychology, Master’s in Social Work and a certification in Addictions Counseling. However, I had nowhere to complete a post graduate internship so I decided to apply for a Commission in the U.S Army.
I was Commissioned as a 1LT January 14, 2004 while still in Hawaii. I was the only one in Army green. I finally convinced myself and others that if I worked hard at it, I could make it happen! I left Hawaii for Basic Officer School in Fort Sam Houston, TX and my first duty station as a Army Correctional Social Worker was the United States Disciplinary Barracks, Fort Leavenworth, KS. I completed my post graduate internship and became a LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker). I could not have done it without my supervisor Laura Whaley!
While stationed at Fort Leavenworth, KS, I performed Notification and Casualty Assistance Officer Duty. It was such a humbling experience and an eye opening one at that.
I served as the Behavioral Health Officer for the 2BCT (between 3-4000 personnel), 101st Screaming Eagles in Fort Campbell, KY. I deployed in 2007 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and came home in 2008 a “very” changed woman.
In 2009, I had a new calling to come to Washington State to serve as the Officer-in-Charge in yet another Army Corrections facility. I soon grew bored of that and heard the 62nd Medical Brigade was looking for a seasoned social worker for the 98th Combat Support Team to deploy to Iraq in support of Operation New Dawn. I was deployed for 9 months in Balad, Iraq. We thought the place was shutting down……
By 2011, I only had 3 more years of active duty until I could retire. While at the 98th, I taught young behavioral health technicians and was able to work at the Army’s Substance Abuse Program, another love of mine.
In 2012, the “ghosts” caught up with me and I decided to take care of my mental and physical health before I retired and could not afford the time off.
2013, I returned to the Army Correctional Facility and retired May 31, 2014. I was so ready, so ready!
There will be more details in the book I keep saying I am going to write and the occasional blog!
Thanks for visiting my site,
Patty