Jeanette Garcia shares her military journey, including her decision to join the army and her experiences in basic training and deployment to Afghanistan. She also discusses her experiences with MST (military sexual trauma) and domestic violence. Despite the challenges she faced, Jeanette found healing and strength through her faith and the support of her son and dog. Jeannette Garcia shares her journey of personal growth and healing from trauma, and how she has used her experiences to help others. She discusses the process of writing and publishing her book, Battle Scars, and the impact it has had on her family and friends. Jeannette also reflects on the ongoing cases of abuse in the military and the need for societal change. She offers advice for those in similar situations and shares her thoughts on how to make people feel comfortable coming forward. Finally, she provides guidance for young women joining the military. In this conversation, Jeannette Garcia discusses her experiences in the military and the importance of building bonds with fellow service members. She also addresses the issue of military culture and alcohol consumption. Finally, she shares her future projects and the importance of healing from trauma.

• Website: http://www.wesurvivedtrauma.com/
• Book: https://www.amazon.com/Battle-Scars-Jeannette-Garcia/dp/B0CN98VQF8

Takeaways

• Joining the military can provide discipline, education, and personal growth.
• Experiences with MST and domestic violence can have long-lasting effects on mental health and self-esteem.
• Finding faith and support can be instrumental in healing and moving forward. Sharing personal growth and experiences can help others and raise awareness about important issues.
• Writing and publishing a book can be a therapeutic process and a way to share one's story.
• Revealing personal trauma to family members can be challenging, but it can also lead to healing and understanding.
• Ongoing cases of abuse in the military highlight the need for societal change and support for survivors.
• It is important to create a safe and supportive environment for individuals to come forward and share their experiences.
• Young women joining the military should focus on their careers, watch out for red flags in relationships, and prioritize their own well-being.
• Military culture often involves heavy alcohol consumption, but it is important to protect oneself and be mindful of the potential consequences.

Next week's guest is Tanya Jones, the Founder and CEO of Interactive Advocacy

No material on this podcast is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment shouldn't be relied on as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified and licensed physician or care provider, and follow their advice. Contact 911 in emergencies.

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Credits:

• Intro/Outro by Rich Culbreath
• Sound Engineer: Chris T