Huffington Post: Suicide, Military Sexual Assault Survivor Stays Alive By Saving Other Veterans
Protect Our Defenders Advisory Board Member Terri Odom is profiled in this inspiring piece from the Huffington Post:
“I love what I do at the VA –- there’s no dollar amount, not a check anyone could write me as a compensation package. For me, it’s when veterans sit in my office, and I totally get what they’re feeling,” she said. “The first thing I say is, ‘When you walked in that door, you left judgment outside. Because this is a hospital for heroes, and you’re one of them.'”
Odom’s advice is an unconventional blend of education by experience, tough love and gallows humor.
“To the veterans, I tell them, ‘Stop expecting champagne when you’re asking for a beer.’ They’ll come in complaining. I stop them right there. ‘That’s why you’re in my office? What’s really bothering you?’ Half the time they don’t even know. I say, ‘Give me one thing today I could make your life better with.’ I hand them a piece of paper to write it down. Then I say, ‘Give me five more.'”
