Why Do I Write About the Military?

Why the Military? Simply because it is my foundation—my roots, my beginning, and the thread that has woven through every part of my life. My story started within the close-knit community of military families. I had the privilege of growing up in Army Married Quarters, surrounded by service personnel whose lives were built on discipline, duty, and deep camaraderie. Those early years gifted me memories I will forever cherish—moments of pride, resilience, and connection that still shape who I am today.

From my father's service to my own, and later my husband’s, the military has always been more than just a career path—it has been a way of life. Our experiences, our challenges, and our triumphs were all forged on a military scaffold. That world became my normal, and over time, it also became my purpose.

Now, working with veterans has brought that full circle. There is a unique openness among them—a willingness to share, to teach, and to connect—that continues to inspire me. Through their stories, I continue to learn, not just about them, but about myself and how best to support them. That kind of growth and understanding can’t always be explained. It simply is. It exists in the small moments, the quiet conversations, the shared experiences that don’t need translation.

Military life often feels like its own universe—unfamiliar and hard to describe to those who haven’t lived it. Sometimes, it even feels like we speak an entirely different language. But when I’m among soldiers and veterans, there’s an unspoken dialect—a deep, instinctive understanding, whether it's shared through words, silences, or even sarcasm. We just get it. That’s the world I know. That’s the world I understand.

This is why I write about the military. I write because I know what it means to say goodbye to someone you love as they deploy. I know the quiet strength it takes to hold the fort at home. I know the bittersweet relief of their return—and the challenges that often come with it. I’ve seen the struggle of transition to civilian life. And if my writing can offer even a small amount of comfort, clarity, or connection to someone navigating these same paths, then every word is worth it.

My writings are based on lived experience and my professional career of supporting Veterans. If you are a service member in need of support, please reach out to the professional services and resources available through your organisation. Your well-being matters.

Finally, a note about the CHANGED Program and related materials: These programs require formal training and certification for any individual, service, or practitioner wishing to use them in any capacity—whether in practice, training, or education. Use of these materials without proper certification is strictly prohibited. For more information on accessing or becoming certified in the CHANGED Program, please contact me directly.