U.S. Army Veteran | Graduate Student | Pacific University

Specialist | 91B Light Wheeled Mechanic

#WomenWhoServeAndSupport | #StudentsWhoServeAndSupport

Julie’s service in the Army from 2010 to 2017 is not simply a chapter in her life — it is a core part of who she is. The military instilled in her the values of integrity and honesty, shaping her identity and the way she approaches relationships, leadership, and personal responsibility. Through her experiences, she developed a deep respect for teamwork and a commitment to standing up for others, even when doing so is difficult.

One moment during her deployment profoundly shifted her understanding of connection and perspective. In the midst of challenge, she experienced firsthand what it means to truly have each other’s backs. That situation reinforced the strength of the bond among service members — a connection built not only on shared mission, but on mutual trust and accountability in both “thick and thin.” It was during that time she learned the importance of looking for the positive in difficult situations, recognizing that negativity can hold a person back. The awareness that tomorrow is never guaranteed changed how she chooses to respond to hardship.

Support has remained central to her journey. She describes feeling sustained by the knowledge that she is not alone and that fellow service members are there to help when she reaches low points. That sense of shared experience continues to anchor her as she pursues her graduate studies in clinical psychology at Pacific University.

Her message to others is rooted in lived resilience: while we cannot always control the pain and hurt life brings, we can choose how it shapes us long-term. Resilience matters. Focusing on the positive during hard times can help carry us through what feels overwhelming.

Quote:
 “Pain is certain suffering is optional” — Buddha