Why I am joining the disability march on Washington is because  I am a wounded warrior and combat veteran. I was injured in Iraq and now I am retired, but I have titanium rods in my back and legs. I also, wear leg braces. I also, suffer from many medical issues and I cannot walk long distances.

I want to be counted and be heard and I want to matter. I want to speak up for many of us Women in the military that get short changed in all aspects of being counted, cared for and thanked for our service. I want to help make a stand against this past election cycle that allowed someone who will not stand up for the 99% of Americans be voted into office and rigged elections. I want to stand up for women’s rights to make medical choices for themselves, for minorities and LGBTQ community rights and for people with disabilities and the right for medical care coverage and Social Security and Medicare and Medicaid.

I am joining this on-line march as I would love to be in D.C., but my body just cannot make the trip. I march for my boys as I am their hero everyday and without great medical coverage I would have died this past News Years Day. I march for all to have access to medical care coverage. I march so my boys will have a better chance at life. I march for my family and friends and my brother and sisters in arms. I march because without us using our rights to voice our concerns then we are part of the problem. We need to stand united against hate, bullying, and fight for our rights.