Chrissy’s Story

Growing up in a military family—Marine dad and Navy mom—instilled a unique perspective on life. Somehow, my parents chose to retire in Millington, Tennessee. Millington. If you’ve been there, you know what I mean. But I digress.

Like so many others, the events of 9/11 ignited a fire in me. I knew I wanted to serve, so I joined the Army Reserves while working my way through school. I thought a career as a heavy wheel mechanic sounded like an exciting contrast to the office life I expected later. After training and AIT at Fort Jackson, I returned to Millington, where routine and structure fit my personality like a glove. It wasn’t until my late thirties that I learned those traits—and some of my social struggles—were due to autism. Suddenly, so many of the pieces made sense.

I never deployed, though. The day deployment orders came down was the same day I discovered I was pregnant with my first child. Life shifted focus, and when I left the military, I leaned into what so many autistic people do well: masking. I became the ideal wife, mom, daughter, co-worker—whatever role was expected of me. But none of it felt real. I wasn’t living as myself.

Years passed, and one day, I reconnected with Nick Sawall. By then, Facebook was a thing, and I kept seeing his posts about something called Irreverent Warriors. Curious, I reached out and said I’d like to join a hike. True to form, Nick voluntold me to help instead.

That first hike changed everything. I stepped into a role as the volunteer coordinator for IW Memphis and instantly fell in love. The mask I’d worn for years? It fell away. These were my people. I didn’t have to censor myself or overthink every interaction. No one was put off by my bluntness or directness. We worked hard, laughed harder, and built something meaningful.

Nick and I have been a team at IW Memphis for six years now. Along the way, I’ve taken on various roles—learning, growing, and deepening my connection to this incredible mission. Three years ago, I was asked to help with some numbers, and my accountant brain couldn’t resist. When the opportunity arose to take over IW’s finances, I didn’t hesitate. This organization had given me so much; it was an honor to give back in a way that played to my strengths.

Why do I work for IW? Because it’s more than an organization—it’s a family. The people I’ve met here are closer than kin. With IW, I’m not just a mom, a wife, or an accountant. I’m Chrissy. I still wear my masks when I have to, but with my IW brothers and sisters, I don’t need them. I’m free to be unapologetically me.

That’s the power of Irreverent Warriors. It’s not just about hikes or camaraderie—it’s about creating a space where we can be our raw, authentic selves, and in doing so, find healing. And that’s why I’ll never stop working for IW.