War After the Military

By Tammie Otukwu

War After the Military gives a keen insight into what happens mentally, physically, emotionally, and financially to transitioning military personnel and those who love and depend upon them. This book will address questions about the military life of a soldier and provide valuable resources for Veterans and their families. Tammie Otukwu speaks from her own perspective as an African-American woman about her life, military journey, and the years of adjustment after the Service.

• Language: English
• Publisher: True Vine Publishing Inspire, Empower, Produce
• Release date: May 7, 2020
• ISBN: 9780463146705

Book preview

War After the Military

Copyright 2020 Tammie Otukwu

Published by Tammie Otukwu at Smashwords

Smashwords Edition License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your enjoyment only, then please return to Smashwords.com or your favorite retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

War After the Military

Tammie L. Otukwu

Copyright © 2020 by Tammie L. Otukwu

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review.

To place orders for more books or to set up speaking engagements, contact the author at www.TammieOtukwu.com

Endorsement

Nothing appears as it seems. However, when thought transfers from the head of man to the heart, it’s Divine. Divine intervention is paramount when translating interpretation. The interpretation has the power that only God can render, then divine order is the ORDER!

Devoted Wife, Mother, Author and over 20 years of service retiree SFC Tammie Otukwu has penned an excellent work to express her divine view on War After the Military, which speaks to it is what it is but it ain’t what you think...

#IJN

~Calvin V. Jennings

Popz

Dedication

I dedicate this book to my Superheroes: my Mother, Mary Nell and my Aunt Dorothy. Each one taught me about faith, love, family and perseverance. Thank you both for your prayers, belief in my dreams, support and strength. I am eternally grateful.

Contents

FOREWORD

J. D. Pair

Prelude

Chapter 1

Shaping the Dream

Chapter 2

Homelessness

Chapter 3

Growing Up!

Chapter 4

The Enlistment

Chapter 5

The Active Duty Assignment

Chapter 6

The Reserve Assignment

Chapter 7

Disability

Chapter 8

Japan

Chapter 9

Nashville

Chapter 10

Understanding Psychotherapy

Chapter 11

The Personal Trainer

Chapter 12

The Second Active Guard Reserve Assignment

Chapter 13

The Mom Soldier

Chapter 14

The Conversation

Chapter 15

Time to Slow Down?

Chapter 16

New Challenges

Chapter 17

The Retirement

Chapter 18

The Veteran

Chapter 19

The Case Manager

Chapter 20

The War

BIOGRAPHY Of CLYDE A. POAG, LCSW, ACSW

FOREWORD

J. D. Pair

As a fellow veteran with over 30 years of service, I was a bit intimidated when asked to write the forward for this glorious book. Upon much thought and soul searching, I agreed as a Battle Buddy (who civilians refer to as a friend), and a fellow professional who works with other fellow veterans. It was my honor. Given the supreme achievements of the author within the military and after, it was apparent to me that she had a story which had to be told.

This story gives a keen insight into what happens from a mental and physical point of view that transitioning military personnel experience often. Everyone thinks or expects a military person to always present themselves as dress right, dress or all together, but the truth is much deeper and more complex.

The public at large hasn’t yet begun to fully understand that transitioning out of the military doesn’t mean giving up being a Soldier, but rather learning to pilot our warrior responses depending on the circumstances. The book gave me insight into understanding myself and the patients I work with as a mental health professional. There are many books on how to navigate being in the military; few gave insight or rarely delved outside of a professional setting. The author cuts to the chase and cleverly wades through all the misconceptions we thought we knew about being a Soldier and a civilian.

The word war can mean many things such as: a war of words, war of the mind, or war of the body. However, the author gives her unabashed take on what the word war meant to her; meaning a transition, an evolution, growth, and a process out of a life and experiences few can truly understand. I feel when you read this book you will get a firsthand account and true understanding of a War after the Military.

Prelude

The purpose of this book is to honor the many military service members who proudly served our country. I also honor those who are currently serving in the armed forces. It is my hope that this work will address questions about the military life of a Soldier as well as provide valuable resources for Veterans and their families. I speak from my own perspective as an African-American woman about my life, military journey, and the years of adjustment after the service. I hope that my writing will be a blessing to many as it has been a healing for myself. This book may not fit everyone’s situation. Everyone’s path is unique. My journey has not always been easy.

I have spent over 26 years in the Army, traveling within the United States and overseas, working with and meeting different types of people. I have worked with homeless Veterans, church members, family members and Veterans in crisis. I have a Master of Psychology which taught me a basic understanding of human nature. I also have a Master of Management degree which taught me how to work with groups of people.

I wish that I could say that my time spent in the military, life experiences, or education would have prepared me for leaving the service, but it did not. Nothing but God prepared me for the feelings of isolation, the depression, sleepless nights, agitation, lack of trust, and many other emotions I experienced during that time.

Chapter 1

Shaping the Dream

There were three people who shaped my life: My father, my mother, and my grandmother. They were all completely different in their approach to raising me, all showed love in different ways, and all showed unique approaches