Air Force Veteran And Author of Becoming Her: How to Become A Survivor - Ashton's Story Comes With A Trigger Warning

About Our Episode: The Female Veterans Podcast is ranked in the top 100 for mental health podcasts for veterans! In this compelling episode, we speak with Ashton, who was born into a military family with both parents serving in the Air Force. Despite her lineage, Ashton’s path was fraught with challenges from the very start. Join us as she shares her raw and honest story, from grueling bootcamp experiences to the trials she faced during her service.

🌟 Episode Highlights:

1. Military Family Beginnings: Ashton recounts her unique upbringing at the Air Force Academy, with two service member parents, and how it contrasted with the realities she faced in her own career.

2. Bootcamp Struggles: We dive into Ashton’s intense bootcamp experiences, including the extreme measures of discipline such as marching until they “peed on themselves.”

3. Overseas Deployment: Ashton shares her harrowing experience being caught in the London riots of 2011 and the challenges she faced overseas.

4. Persecution and Struggles: Hear Ashton’s in-depth discussion on feeling persecuted at her first duty station, including the traumatic experience of being drugged with MDMA and labeled as “an alcoholic slut” for seeking solace in dancing.

5. Alcohol and Military Culture: We explore why alcohol plays such a significant role in military culture and Ashton’s perspectives on its impact.

6. Personal Tragedies: Ashton opens up about the suicide of a friend, the subsequent impact on her life, and the turmoil within her squadron.

7. Surviving Sexual Assault: Ashton bravely discusses her experiences with sexual assault, including a gang assault, and the devastating aftermath that nearly broke her.

8. Transitioning Out: Discover why Ashton chose to leave the military, her journey towards healing, and how it led to her writing her empowering book, “Becoming Her: How To Become A Survivor.”

💪 Key Takeaways:

• Gain insights into the unique challenges faced by female veterans from a military family background.
• Understand the impact of intense bootcamp experiences and overseas deployments.
• Learn about the prevalence and effects of alcohol in military culture.
• Hear a powerful story of surviving sexual assault and finding healing and resilience.
• Explore the transition from military life to writing and advocacy.

📌 Hashtags: #FemaleVeteransPodcast #MilitaryLife #MentalHealth #VeteranStories #HealingJourney