Why Veterans Need to Tell Their Own Stories (Before Someone Else Does)
The Danger of Letting Others Define Veteran Identity
Veterans are natural storytellers—but too often, their stories go untold.
The mistake? Thinking our work alone will speak for itself.
When we stay silent, we leave a vacuum. And in that vacuum, others step in—with assumptions, clichés, and narratives that miss the truth.
I know because I’ve done it. I stayed quiet for years after I left the Army, letting others assume what my service meant—and what I was capable of.
And maybe you’ve done it too. Let your résumé talk. Let your job title stand in for your voice.
But here’s what a lot of vets miss: If you don’t tell your story, someone else will. And they’ll get it wrong.
Only 5% of veterans say they feel comfortable sharing their transition story in public.
That number should stop us in our tracks.
Because it means 95% of us are walking around with stories inside us—stories that could change perceptions, policies, and lives—but aren’t being heard.
And when stories stay locked up, so does the real value we bring.
If we want to shift the narrative on veteran identity, leadership, and impact, we need to make storytelling part of the mission.
Let’s talk about how.
How to Reclaim Your Story So It Serves You (and Others)
It doesn’t take a memoir or a TED Talk—just a few intentional steps:
Define the moments that shaped you. Not just in uniform, but beyond it. What experience changed how you see yourself?
Connect your story to your mission. Use your past to highlight what you’re building now—why it matters, who it serves, what drives you.
Start small and real. A LinkedIn post. A panel conversation. A story shared with someone who needs it.
Start where you are, and start with the truth.
Because your story isn’t just personal—it’s powerful.
Here’s Why You Should Speak Up
Veterans bring clarity, cohesion, and courage to leadership—but we’re often reduced to buzzwords and bumper stickers.
When we tell our stories, we challenge stereotypes that keep us sidelined.
We build connection—and belonging—inside the communities we now serve.
And we show future veterans what’s possible outside the wire.
For example: I once led a retreat for women veterans, and during our final circle, one woman said, “This is the first time I’ve said out loud that I was sexually assaulted in the military. And it’s the first time I’ve felt like it wasn’t my fault.”
That story changed her life—but it also changed ours. It reminded us that silence isolates. Storytelling heals.
And it wasn’t polished or perfect. It was raw and real. That’s what made it powerful.
If your story can help just one person—why wait?
Speak before the silence hardens. Share before someone else defines you.
Veterans don’t just need jobs—organizations need veteran leadership.
And leadership starts with being seen.
So tell your story.
Loud. True. Yours.
Speak before the silence hardens. Share before someone else defines you.
If this message resonates with you—or if you’re ready to step into leadership on your own terms—my book Mission, Tribe & Grace was written for you.
It’s a field guide for veterans who want to lead change, find their people, and build a meaningful next chapter.
Let’s change the story—starting with yours.
Thanks for sharing this Jill. I imagine how you tell your story is as important as what the story is. Getting used to saying "I" more and saying "we" less is an adjustment. Plus, there is a challenge of making a story relatable. Acronyms, jargon, and unnecessary details might detract from the value or theme of the story.