Cincinnati Hike Daddy, here!

I first heard about Silkies Hike when I was in Texas, and there was a hike in Austin. I wasn’t able to attend, but fast forward a few years later, and I see there’s one happening in Indianapolis. There, I discovered what Irreverent Warriors was, the mission, and witnessed firsthand how these events help Veteran mental health.

I’ve been the coordinator for Cincinnati going on my third year now. The mission is personal for me, as I’m sure it is for most who volunteer and attend anything by IW. No matter who you are or where you are in your journey, just know I am always here to listen.

As an officer in the Army, I spent most of my career planning anything and everything. It’s what I know and a skill I bring to the role of LC. Outside of hike planning, I’m a pageant queen. I use that platform as an alternate method of advocating for Veteran mental health and reaching audiences who would otherwise not give us a second thought. I show them the work being done and how they can join in the fight to end Veteran suicide. For some reason, saying I’m a Veteran wasn’t enough, so I got a shiny crown to make them pay attention.

I love all of you and hope you know you matter.