This picture is a teddy bear that I call the Hero Bear from 2011, which I used as I drove into 49 US States, 6 Provinces and 1 territory of Canada and Mexico, assisting any Veteran that in need especially our Homeless Veterans.

Many veterans have shed tears on the Hero Bear as they told me stories of their plights. I have been advocating and assisting Veterans for over 20 years now and on the No Veteran Left Behind Driving Mission I let Veterans, those who are still serving in the military and family members of those who were killed in action sign my vehicle. I have signatures on the outside and inside, signatures of veterans’ family members who lost soldiers and who were killed in action and those who support them. This is a Veteran that I met while I was on the No Veteran Left Behind Mission.

I served in the US Army from 1984 until 1992. My MOS was 64C Transportation Specialist and 94B Food Handler Specialist. I survived Military Sexual Trauma and Harassment. I did not know what to do at the time it occurred, because I was threatened that I would lose my career in the military, and I had four children to think about, especially my youngest son who was a diabetic. As I drove into the 49 states as mentioned previously, I heard on the radio about Military Sexual Trauma and Violence for the very first time. I couldn’t believe my ears. I thought this was something that I would take to my grave… In my healing I have sought counseling and Cognitive Processing Therapy through the VA. I finally got the strength and courage to go back to Fort Campbell and stand on the now vacant lot that used to be the Mess Hall where everything occurred. I have since reached out and have been contacted by other survivors, one of whom was a male. He has been a great role model for me. I was shocked to find out that males endure this as well.

Although I don’t look for recognition for myself, I’m trying to bring awareness to the many serious Veterans Plights that they are facing everyday. Essence Magazine featured me in their magazine in a section called Shining Moments of 2013, 50 Women Who Made Us Proud. Among the 50 women were lots of celebrities like Halle Berry, First Lady Obama, and Serena Williams and out of the 50 women they put me number one!

I help other Veterans at no charge, men and women who have suffered and paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. I had a mobile hot dog sand to feed veterans but it was vandalized. I am saving money to purchase a new one and will be doing my next NO VETERAN BEHIND MISSION in November 2016 and heading out on the highway up through to the New England States and Canada.
~ Ms Lisa Willis Groves, US Army Veteran

Veteran Stories Compiled by Jenny La Sala www.JennyLasala.com