By Elijah Penn, Copyeditor
“Service never ends; it just changes form,” said Saint Leo University faculty member, Vyron Folds, reflecting on his time in the service and his life after. “So yes—the uniform did come off, but my values remain. The mission continues, and the warrior within me will never fade. To every veteran finding their new identity, I say: ‘be proud of who you were—and prouder of who you will become.’”
As part of Saint Leo University’s celebration of Veterans Appreciation Month, the Honors Program featured a panel titled “From Service to Strength: Veterans’ Journeys Beyond the Uniform” on Nov. 13. It took place in Selby Auditorium. The event boasted three faculty members of Saint Leo who are veterans.
The panel consisted of Sarah Williams, who served as an Air Force Officer, Autumn Church, a former U.S. Army Military Police Officer, and Vyron Folds, the former Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Chief of the United States Special Operations Command.
The event was planned and moderated by Mia Polanco, a junior majoring in International Studies and secretary of the Honors Program. Polanco chose the panelists based on recommendations by students and faculty.
“I initially envisioned having a single guest speaker, but it evolved into a panel to broaden the perspectives shared and allow for a richer, more dynamic conversation,” said Polanco.
Polanco prepared three topics for the panelists to present based on their prior experience. The topics touched on both their service and their lives after.
Williams talked about women in service. Church explored veterans’ mental health. Finally, Folds discussed the challenges of transitioning to civilian life.
“I wanted the event to address a variety of themes that would resonate widely, so I selected topics that collectively covered several important aspects of veterans’ experiences,” Polanco said.
Williams talked about the lessons she learned when she found herself in a position of authority in a male-dominated field. She emphasized that people of both genders face struggles in the military, but females face unique challenges fitting into the predominantly male culture.
Williams did not want to be known by her gender, but as an individual. She learned that being humble and open-minded, as well as recognizing that she has a lot to learn from others, are essential traits. Furthermore, she noted that as a woman, having difficult conversations and being transparent are key to breaking down barriers.
Regarding mental health, Church shared shocking statistics of veteran suicides. She explained common trauma-related mental health issues such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Moral Injury. She talked about potential cures and preventative measures, calling attention to the importance of constantly working to maintain one’s mental health and prevent severe conditions from cumulative trauma.
Supporting others is another topic Church stressed. Even those who seem emotionally strong have their mental struggles. These people often feel they have to look like they have it together for others who rely on them. This is why it is essential to be supportive of everyone, especially those who you don’t think need it. Positioning yourself as a person whom others feel comfortable talking to is key to supporting those who need it.
Folds shared his personal journey and the challenges that he faced transitioning to civilian life. For him, his status in the military was his identity. When his military career ended, he had to forge a new identity for himself.
According to Folds, the number one challenge that veterans face when adapting back to society is how skills needed in the military translate into civilian life or careers. He mentioned three important skills that are transferable: Leadership, accountability, and the ability to work well with a team.
To him, good leadership is putting others first. It is “exuding excellence in everything you do.”
He lives by a warning his father would recite to him: “You’re a leader until you look back and no one is following you.”
Following the topic discussions, the panel opened to questions from the audience. Attendees thanked the veterans for their service and asked about how to successfully lead a team, how Saint Leo contributed to their transition from military life, and how to best assist people going through mental health struggles.
“I wanted to create a space where we could meaningfully celebrate veterans while also welcoming and engaging students from across campus,” Polanco said. Indeed, the event drew more than 60 attendees, both in-person and on Zoom.
Those who attended learned about the lives of those who served. They were touched by the personal stories and struggles that the faculty shared; they opened up to allow a glimpse of the truth about both the glories and the trials of service.
1 Comment
This article is incredible!