Colleen A. Bushnell
Contact me
- My Web Page
- colleen.bushnell@gmail.com
On Blogger since October 2007
Profile views - 1128
My blogs
| Gender | Female |
|---|---|
| Industry | Non-Profit |
| Occupation | Protect Our Defenders Advocacy and Outreach Board |
| Location | Troy, New York, United States |
| Links | Audio Clip |
| Introduction | This moment, in 2005, when my two little boys faded into the airport crowd, flashes through my memory time and again. I had to chose their safety over my own welfare. As they approached the gate, flying from the clutch of his short, fat fingers, my youngest swooshed me a butterfly kiss. I could barely breath, during what felt like our last sacred encounter. I sauntered, zig zagging across the airport thoroughfares, to my car. The numbness was my only saving grace, because inside, I knew life would never be the same for the three of us. Needless to say, I was lost, after medical retirement from military public affairs in 2006, due to Military Sexual Trauma. The treacherous reentry to civilian life, rendered me homeless, overmedicated, suicidal. Today, I share our story because I don't believe the American public is aware of the obstacles that even the most talented and dedicated military women face, during, and after service. Only recently did I discover a community of women, from all eras of service, who’d undeservedly been through very similarly unfathomable ordeals, while defending our nation. And in talking to them, I am finding my voice again. My story is our story. |
| Interests | Parenting, women veterans, military sexual trauma, The Long Road Home Project, RAINN Rape Abuse Incest National Network |
| Favorite Movies | Capote, A Beautiful Mind, Mr. Deeds, Shawshank Redemption, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory |
| Favorite Music | Jamie Cullum, Jack Johnson, Norah Jones, Elton John, Billy Joel, Tori Amos, Pink, Classical, Show Tunes |
| Favorite Books | I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou, The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle, Awakening The Giant From Within by Anthony Robbins, Women Who Run With Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés |
"What can we do as a nation to help our troops as they come home?"