Her Inspiration
Now, the mother of three children, an 8 year old, and 5-year-old twins, Melissa easily defines her inspiration in two words- “my children”. After a brief pause, she repeated those words as though that was enough explanation. And, it was. She expounds by offering that, “You have to want to get better. Be honest about what you're going through, but own it. You’re not alone. Find a support group. Find another veteran. Keep relationships. Stay engaged and don’t let everything go.”
She says the people she come into contact with daily also inspire her to be better and do more for those in her community. Melissa doesn’t just talk the talk; she actually walks the streets to meet with those in need and to answer the tough calls when they come. She helps feed, clothe, and make connections between the resources and those who need them most.
Community Outreach
Community sounds local, but having been in the military, Melissa’s community extends far beyond geographic boundaries. She expands her reach as a host and co-host of Veteran Talk radio KLSN 92.9 and Co-Host of Veterans Voices-Monthly TV show for Veterans by Veterans CCTV (Online and Local Cable).
"Our talk radio is targeted to an older generation of veterans who still need help in the local Bay Area. We’re trying to expand and get the word out to veterans that resources are available. We host events to let them know how to access these resources. Such services include primary care providers that are willing to make home visits so the veterans don’t have to go to a hospital”.
Political Aspirations
Currently, Melissa works for a legislative official in the Bay Area. Growing up in East Oakland, she understands the need and value of positive representation. She has her own political aspirations and plans to start locally- to generate awareness of behind the scenes happenings in communities that are labeled by their low socioeconomic status. Her goal is to use her platform to get people to listen. From listening, there is an increased potential for understanding. Understanding breeds support and support stimulates change. Melissa is an agent of change.
Single In the City~ But, Probably Not for Long!
When asked where she sees herself in the next five to ten years, she giggled, responding with, “Married!” Melissa is living the single life in California but her activism and high visibility is making her quite the commodity. As a United States Armed Forces veteran, advocate, mother, and friend, she is definitely a diamond. Melissa currently has a Bachelor of Science in Cognitive Science and her short-term goal is to finish her second Bachelor of Science in Cultural Anthropology. Within this timeframe, she also intends to actively rehabilitate and use her knowledge to give back to the veteran community.
You can follow Melissa on Facebook at:
https://www.facebook.com/Mjm-1518630825087561/
More information on Military Sexual Trauma can be found at:
http://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/docs/mst_general_factsheet.pdf
22 MILITARY GREEK LIFE Magazine JAN/FEB 2016