Jenna Carlton, known as the Millennial Veteran, discusses the challenges faced by female veterans transitioning from military to civilian life. She highlights the high suicide risk among female veterans and the lack of support from the VA. Jenna emphasizes the need for better mental health resources and support networks for women veterans. She also discusses the barriers to accessing these resources and the importance of seeking help for mental health issues. Jenna shares her experiences of isolation and the struggle to find a sense of purpose after leaving the military. She encourages veterans to explore vocational and technical education options and make use of their GI Bill benefits. Jenna advocates for inclusivity in veterans support networks and leadership positions. She emphasizes the importance of local involvement and encourages veterans to attend meetings and be heard. Jenna concludes by highlighting the value of the veteran identity and the need for representation and support for millennial veterans. In this conversation, Jenna discusses her workbook for veterans, the importance of reflection and healing, and finding purpose and community after military service. She also shares where to find the workbook and how to connect with her on social media. The conversation concludes with closing remarks and an invitation to reach out with any questions.
ABOUT JENNA:
Jenna Carlton (The Millennial Veteran) is a Navy veteran who served as an Aerographer’s Mate from 2013-2017. After getting out she went to school and did an internship at The House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs hoping to make an impact on the veteran community. She soon found out that policy may not be the best route in her efforts of helping other veterans. Soon after she started a FB support group, “The Millennial Veterans” with two of her friends in 2020 to reach out to younger veterans in the hopes of creating a community. Their goal is to get younger veterans involved and aware of their resources. Jenna hosts an Instagram Live series called Vet Chats where she interviews younger veterans on how they are continuing their service. It takes place on Sundays at 9pm or you can catch the replay on her podcast “Vet Chats.” Through inspiration with these conversations, Jenna published The Veteran Workbook. This journal-style book puts the pen in the hand of the veteran to reflect on service, recreate structure, plan for the future, and re-discover their new identity without the military.
IG: instagram.com/themillennialveteran
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