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.
