Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeannette Garcia.
Hi Jeannette, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Jeannette Garcia, and I started sharing parts of my life, including domestic violence, sexual abuse, and war. It began as an outlet and therapy for myself to express what I had gone through, realizing that I am not the only one who has been in these situations. I then began a website in 2020 to share my story for others to realize they are not alone and empower others to speak up and share their stories. I began speaking engagements in 2021, allowing me to connect with the community and hear their stories. I am not an expert or professional. I am just an ordinary woman who wants to share my stories that may help someone. In one year, I experience multiple different traumas. February, I got abused by my spouse, it was so bad that I went unconscious, and upon waking up, I was still getting abused after asking for a divorce. A few months later, I went out with a friend and got raped by a man I was supposed to deploy with in front of others. I then deployed to Afghanistan, and May that same year was the first time I experienced being shot at and hearing IEDs go off. June, my friend died after stepping on an IED. Throughout this year, our Battalion lost 22 young men. January, the interpreter stepped on an IED approximately 10-15 feet from me and lost both her legs. Other soldiers also got injured from the shrapnel. This is just a summary of the story I share. I share how I overcame during my speaking engagements. During the speaking engagements, the audience can ask me questions and share what they have been through. I do this by hearing others share something they have never shared before and breaking their silence. To help them be free and begin to retake control of their lives.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a smooth road?
The most challenging part about sharing my trauma stories is the nature of the details may be hard for many to hear. I go into how I was abused when my peer raped me or when in Afghanistan, women also faced danger. I don’t think it’s an easy story to listen to, but impactful.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a US Army Military Police Officer Combat Veteran, a brief former Federal Police Officer, and, most important job, a single mother. I deployed in 2011-2012 to Panjwai, Kandahar, Afghanistan, during Operation Enduring Freedom. I am here to share parts of my life that changed the person I was to the person I became to the person I am. I have gone through different traumas from domestic violence, emotional abuse, rape, and war. I do speaking engagements and have a blog that shares my story upon request. I am proud that I can use a part of my life to help others realize that we can be strong. Just because something happens to you does not mean that is who you are. We get a say in who we are and survive after horrific life events. We have a word in the matter. What sets me apart is that I am not afraid to speak up. I survived a year of trauma and am thriving in my life. I share that because those who go through such need to know they can also become powerful people.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I always wanted to be someone who made a difference. I was outspoken, strong, and curious. I am someone who can walk into a room and make friends without hesitation, never shy to make conversations with people or have uncomfortable conversations. I am small but mighty.
Contact Info:
- Website: WeSurvivedTrauma.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/survivingaftertrauma/
