Ladies and Gentleman,

    Some of you know me from earlier over a year ago when I first introduced myself.  I am a transgender individual (M-F).  When I joined this community I was preparing to deploy to Iraq as a Officer in the U.S. Army.  I have since returned from Iraq separated from the Army with Honor and am living full time and -nearly- stable on HRT.  Huge milestones in correcting what I believe to be a error of inborn metabolism.  I've had a very difficult time in staying in touch with the Susan's community while I have been overseas.  I have managed to stay in touch with one or two of you, and even have been supported with care packages from a very special individual who frequents these forum (I will spare the individual the embarrassment, however if they wish to identify themselves here I will not protest.). 

   While these are all great things, coming home has still been bittersweet at best.  I've had a very hard time adjusting back to the civilian world now that I have separated from the Army, however while the Army has been far for welcoming individuals such as myself...despite a history of meritorious service as annotated AR 40-501, 3-35 subparagraph B (found here " http://www.apd.army.mil/pdffiles/r40_501.pdf ")  in reference to the handling of Soldiers and Officers diagnosed with Gender Identity Disorder (GID) which requires individuals such as myself to be administratively discharged upon discovery.  The VA however has a far more progressive stance in regards to regulation, 2011-0024 (http://pinkessence.com/group/PEvets/forum/topics/transgender-rights-within-the-va)is a policy letter which the VA must abide by which stipulates that regardless to what step a veteran who is eligible for care is currently moving though in his or her journey.  I've had some great experiences in the VA and some pretty horrible ones which are criminal luckily, I've always known the difference and held individuals accountable (thank you Army).   This highly valuable information for any VET who is returning home or seeking care in the VA system, I am offering myself as a resource to any brother or sister who is seeking care with in the VA and is  a member of the "F"amily (just PM me please to initiate contact).   In dealing with some of my demons I will be a resident in the VA system in California for the next few months.  I truly look forward to hearing from the community once more and working to integrate myself back into this community.  I know I -need- the help if I am to get though this challenge.

P.S. Please provide me with some feedback as to the new profile photo I could use the help, I know I have a -long- way to go.

Welcome back Jessica!
To the Susan's and the US!

Big, big hugs! Hi Jessica! Great information, thanks for posting it. I have floated the idea of a Veterans subforum, maybe it's time for a new push.  Hey, I have your avatar picture already! I'm the friend Jessica mentioned who sent the care packages to Iraq. Vets gotta stick together. Now, there's a thread in the food section that I started called "What did your fortune cookie say?" I think you owe me a post! Hugs, hugs, Devlyn

Welcome back, and thankfully physically in one piece.  Overall you helped the Iraqis have a chance at freedom, and that was a good thing . If they stuff it up it's their own fault  now.

It's a pity the US Army is not as enlightened as the other armies that went into Iraq with yours.  Us, the Brits, Danes and Poles.  The courts here have ruled that Medicare has to pay for SRS, and soldiers can now transition in service.  One day that will happen in the US too.

Karen.

     Devlyn,


      I still remember getting the two rather large boxes full of current news papers and fortune cookies (700 to be exact).  You made a lot of soldiers and customers of ours happy.  I bet you would have never thought that the cookies would have ended up at a dinner with the (S)Iraqi Army and Airforce leadership I worked with but they did .

I may have slightly bent the Islamic rules regarding shipments into that country, but at least I didn't send pork products! Hugs, Devlyn PS You missed a great bacon thread!

Welcome back and thank you for your service.Hugs,Rachael.

Good to see you Jessica and that you are physically well.

Looking forward to reading your input on the forum. I know you'll find a few changes, mainly in faces.

Big huggs

Hey hi Jessica. Welcome home.

I'm not military, but a lot of my family and friends are, and I know how frustrating the VA can be even when they're doing everything right. And how turbulent it can be to reacclimate to civilian life.

Susan's is a pretty good resource for adjusting to changes, imo. Glad you're here. Your avatar looks really happy.

Welcome back Jessica, glad you made it home.

Getting back into the swing of civilian life can be difficult.  I'm glad the VA is doing more for our community today.  I was in the Army during the Vietnam era.

Make yourself comfortable and enjoy yourself here.

howdy and welcome back to the forums 

Welcome back Jessica B!!!

Coffee, hot chocolate and cookies on the right... Peculiar social activity on the left    Make your self at home

Watch out for the Purple People Eater!!!

Hugs

- Virginia

Hi Jessica,

I remember you and I'm so glad you are back safe and sound. Now you settle down and start to chat to old friends again. Thank you and all the brave men and woman and definitely our super dooper TG service people for being there for us.

Hugs

Cindy

Hi, Jessica. Welcome back to the fold.

The VA still has a lot to learn about people like us. Just keep hammering away at them.

Hi Jessica, welcome back to Susan's Place!