From Rock Bottom to Forever Forward
Jacque Read would be the first to say she hit rock bottom after military retirement. She gave 21 years of her life to service in the U.S. Navy, but once she transitioned to civilian life she felt rejected and lost.
“Every time I reached out to other nonprofits, I felt rejected or that they wanted to keep me labeled as an injured Veteran – a messed up Veteran.”
This is unfortunately something we hear from far too many Veterans we serve, and is why we are committed to providing the individualized, top-tier treatment we know our nation’s servicemen and women need and deserve when they separate from service.
Through a caring friend, Jacque heard about our program and was able to start her new path forward. We encourage you to read her story below.
Why did you join the military?
I had fantasized about being in the military ever since childhood. I would “rescue” my younger sisters and play out visions of saving lives, purposely navigating through any environmental obstacles I could find. Joining the military carried out my destiny.
What did you do in the military, and how long did you serve?
I started my career as a Chinese Linguist (Cryptologic Technician Interpreter) and later screened for Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD). My last position was with the Women In Special Operations Forces (WISOF). I retired in August of 2022 after 21 years of service.
What was life like for you when you retired? What were your biggest challenges?
I was anticipating the roller coaster of emotions that accompanied getting out of the service;I wasn’t expecting to feel so empty, depressed, and lost. I was recovering from knee surgery, which left me feeling sorry for myself and saddened to feel so broken physically, spiritually, and emotionally. I felt abandoned by the community I sacrificed my life for and rejected by the civilian society I was attempting to integrate with. My biggest challenges were finding positivity, motivation, and community. I felt angry, frustrated, depressed, and deep sadness. I had finally arrived at “freedom” yet was too broken to enjoy it.
What spurred you to reach out to Boot Campaign? How did you hear about their Health & Wellness Program?
My knee was not healing properly, and I was in chronic pain throughout the day. Nothing felt comfortable physically, and I would often wake up in tears from sadness and depression. A former Navy F18 Pilot mentioned that she had gone through the Boot Campaign health and wellness program and had amazing things to say about it. So, thanks to my friend and her guidance, I reached out to Boot Campaign and asked for help.
What was your experience with Boot Campaign?
Boot Campaign was life-changing for me. Not only did it help me get on track physically, but also mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. The modalities of care and interactions with all the amazing people who feel called to serve and help others brought an energy and community that matched the values I had lost. I regained inspiration and clarity and was provided the space and mentorship for personal growth. Boot Campaign brought love, patience, and kindness back into my life. I am forever grateful and have since been inspired to find a new purpose in the next chapter of my life: working within the community of healers.
What do you want other Veterans to know?
The hardships and evil we had to endure, both overseas on missions and throughout our careers, might have been optimal for our jobs, but it is a suboptimal way of life. There is a community within Boot Campaign that can offer a true sense of peace. It’s a safe space to let our guard down, and the beautiful souls that make up the team are there to guide us through our internal struggles and facilitate the help we need. Trust it, and take the blessings so you can be in a space to give back again and find your greater purpose in helping make this world a better place.
What does the YOU MATTER message mean to you?
To me, YOU MATTER was a message I needed to hear. I never felt like I mattered in the military except on mission. Now I know I matter no matter what.
To donate in support of Veterans like Jacque who both need and deserve individualized care, please visit donate.bootcampaign.org.
