Carli Richards

I joined the military because I had stars in my eyes, thinking it would be an amazing four years and that I could go to college after I served. Instead, after getting tossed around because of PTSD (related to a sexual assault incident in A-school, and an incident where I was injured on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier) and depression, I was finally released for self-medicating on a "General" discharge (administrative separation). I was swept under the rug and received zero benefits, and after a few months of being practically homeless, I am finally getting on my feet and receiving the therapy I need, though it's becoming very costly. I don't want people to go through the same things I did, and I didn't even technically see battle. My little brother wants to join the Army to serve his country and it just makes me sick that kids are being lied to and being sent off to die. I guess I'm joining not only because I was swept under the rug like so many others, but also because I want to prevent it from happening to anyone else. I just want peace for myself and for others.