Crystal Jeffords is one of the most resilient- and wonderfully transparent- women that we’ve ever met. She now serves as a beacon of hope for others. This U.S. Army Veteran, wife and mother shares with us her 4 steps to being strong in tragedy.
Crystal Joins the Women In Uniform and Enlists in the U.S. Army
At the age of 28, Crystal joined the Army and moved away from her hometown for the first time. She had been married for 10 years and had two daughters, ages seven and nine.
Crystal deployed to Iraq in 2005 as her unit’s only 92FH1 (Petroleum Supply Specialist). Even though there was a male assigned to a similar position, he did not have experience and could not drive a fuel truck.
If you want to read more stories about women who kick butt, check out our military women section here on the blog.
Becoming a Female Combat Veteran
Crystal was stationed at the Forward Operating Base in Camp Victory, Iraq. She worked at the Education Center and was in charge of language improvement classes and testing.
Crystal served over 300 Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines by improving their test scores so that they could obtain promotions and job changes.
Life, Death and Abuse
Before long, Crystal’s life would dramatically change.
In 2007, Crystal was still serving on military duty overseas when she received a Red Cross message that her mother had hung herself.
She took emergency leave and returned home to mourn with her family, and close out her mother’s estate.
Before long, she had to return overseas in order to continue serving the mission of her unit. Things did not get any easier, for when she arrived back in theater, she was told that her tour of duty had now been extended.
Worse yet, for the next seven months, Crystal faced repeated situations of sexual assault. The abuser was a person who held a leadership position in her own unit.
Mental Resiliency: Crystal Eventually Learns How To Bounce Back
Recovery did not come easy for Crystal.
She says that it was nearly 10 years before she was able to crawl out of her bedroom- and the haze of medication- to face life again.
“Now, I feel privileged, humbled, blessed, proud, and- most importantly- empowered!”
Crystal Jeffords, US Army Veteran
Today, Crystal serves as a beacon of hope for other women.
She dedicates her time to raising strong daughters, being a great wife and working with multiple women’s support groups.
Crystal’s Four Steps to Being Strong in Tragedy
For anyone experiencing the downturns of life, this Army soldier recommends focusing on these four ways to be mentally strong:
- help others
- keep a positive attitude
- seek treatment (like her service dog, Buddy!)
- and seek our support from family
Advice For Women Interested in Military Service
Before joining the military, Crystal says that every woman should research each branch of the military.
“A male cannot accurately tell you what a female faces in the military.”
Crystal Jeffords, US Army Veteran
She encourages all women to look at female promotion rates across the six different service branches. Crystal also says that women should education themselves on the history of how females have been treated in the military, specific to each branch.
Most importantly, she says, speak with other females because, “A male cannot accurately tell you what a female faces in the military.”
“It is a daily struggle, but you can make positive changes.”
Crystal Jeffords, on being strong through tragedy
Today, fellow military women look up to Crystal as a person with lived experience. Through her online support group, she regularly provides peer support and encouragement to people who are facing tough situations.
“Don’t give up the fight, my Warrior Sisters,” she says. “It is a daily struggle, but you can make positive changes.”
Crystal is living testimony that being a part of the Armed Forces takes not only physical strength, but mental strength as well.
How you can Support the Mission:
In recognition of Crystal’s resiliency and courage, we are treating her to a 1-year subscription to the HelloMissilia box.
Crystal says that being honored in this way has evoked many feelings for her.
“First, I was in disbelief that I had not only been nominated, but also chosen. Now, I feel privileged, humbled, blessed, proud and, most importantly, empowered!”
If your company or organization supports strong women, please consider sponsoring our heroes by checking out our Sponsorship Information or emailing info@hellomissilia.com.
You can help ensure that stories of women who kick butt, like Crystal, are being shared and celebrated. Send this article out to your social media networks; spreading the word about women like Crystal keeps encouraging women to do great things.
note: this article was originally published on our sister site:
https://hellomissilia.com/blogs/news/celebrating-crystal-jeffords
