Supporter | VA Certifying Official 

#WomenWhoServeAndSupport | #CommunityWhoServeAndSupport

Megan did not grow up in a military family, and for many years, her understanding of service was shaped by distance and reverence rather than lived experience. She was taught that military members were heroes who risked their lives to protect freedoms, but the depth and complexity of service remained largely unseen.

That changed when she was in eighth grade on September 11th. As the country shifted and eventually went to war, she began witnessing firsthand how military service affects entire families and communities. Friends’ family members enlisted. A close family friend in the Army Reserves was activated and deployed during the Iraq War. She heard stories of missed life events, strained communication, and the profound sacrifices made by both service members and their loved ones. She also knew someone who lost a brother while serving. It was then she realized that service extends far beyond the individual — it disrupts education, work, family life, and leaves lasting impacts.

For years, she viewed service primarily through the lens of sacrifice and difficulty. It wasn’t until around 2012, when someone she had always considered a younger brother chose to enlist in the Army, that her perspective began to shift again. At first, she struggled to understand his decision. Yet as he completed multiple tours in the Middle East and eventually returned home, she began to see the broader picture. Though he does not speak about his deployments, she witnessed the life he built: marriage, parenthood, education, home ownership, and long-term goals. She saw both the challenges and the opportunities that service created.

Through these experiences, Megan developed a deep empathy for military members and their families. She recognizes that service can be transformative and difficult at the same time. It requires selflessness and a willingness to become part of something larger than oneself.

As a VA Certifying Official at Pacific University, Megan continues to shape her understanding of service daily. Though she sometimes feels like she is “on the outside looking in,” she actively seeks out workshops, trainings, and learning opportunities to better support military-connected students. She ensures she is informed about evolving VA certification processes so students receive their benefits on time and can focus on their education.

Her message to others in similar roles is grounded in humility and care: your story does not need to mirror a student’s experience for you to support them. Empathy and a commitment to being informed can make a meaningful difference in meeting each student’s unique needs.

Quote:
 “Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, ‘I will try again tomorrow.’” — Mary Anne Radmacher