Summary: In this episode of Dog Tag Diaries, host Captain Kim sits down with Army veteran Makissa Lewis for a deeply honest conversation about service, survival, and sisterhood. Makissa shares her path from Jamaica to New York, then into the Army right out of high school, where she hoped to prove she was stronger than people expected. She opens up about surviving military sexual trauma before there was even common language for it, deploying to Iraq after 9/11, and living with the lasting effects of PTSD. Most of all, she talks about turning pain into purpose by founding My Seester, Inc., a nonprofit that supports women veterans in South Florida. This episode is a powerful reminder that healing often starts when someone decides to create the support they needed most.In this episode, we cover:Why Makissa joined the Army straight out of high schoolHow books, writing, and faith helped her cope through hard transitionsHer experience with military sexual trauma in GermanyWhat Iraq was like and how combat stress stayed with her after coming homeWhy women veterans are too often unseen in military and civilian systemsHow My Seester, Inc. was born out of a need for real, in-person supportThe healing power of art, community, and women showing up for each otherMakissa’s advice for women currently serving in the militaryNotable Quotes & Moments:“She survived military sexual trauma before it even had a name.” [00:00:05]“I felt it was a, I’ll be able to grow up and show them that I’m not a nerd.” [00:04:30]“There was no one protecting me.” [00:15:36]“If you don’t deal with your mental, it takes all over your whole world.” [00:27:15]“We are so not seen, cause they think we’re invisible.” [00:28:26]“The military cannot be the end and be all of everything you are.” [00:40:28]Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Makissa Lewis and her service story 00:01:11 - Makissa’s background, Army service, and nonprofit mission 00:04:06 - Why she joined the military after high school 00:05:01 - Moving from Jamaica to New York and then Florida 00:09:31 - Entering the Army in 1996 and adjusting to military life 00:14:30 - First duty station in Germany and the trauma she experienced there 00:19:42 - Deployment to Iraq after 9/11 00:22:40 - PTSD symptoms and the hard return to civilian life 00:25:45 - Finding support online and starting My Seester, Inc. 00:31:05 - The Retina Project and healing through art and conversation 00:35:13 - Supporting deployed women and honoring fallen service members 00:37:10 - How Makissa takes care of herself today 00:39:18 - Her advice for women still serving 00:41:16 - Women Who Serve Magazine nomination and closing reflectionsAbout Makissa Lewis:Makissa Lewis is an Army veteran who served from 1996 to 2010 and is a combat-disabled survivor of military sexual trauma. Born in Jamaica and raised in New York and South Florida, Makissa joined the military straight out of high school.After experiencing MST, combat deployment to Iraq, and ongoing challenges accessing equitable care, she began asking critical questions about housing, resources, and support for women veterans. Those questions led her to found My Seester, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to serving female veterans in South Florida.Makissa is also working on an anthology documenting her experiences during and after her military career.Connect with Makissa:Instagram: @my_seesterWebsite: www.myseester.comEmail: [email protected] note:This episode includes discussion of military sexual trauma and may be activating for some listeners. If you or someone you know needs support, confidential help is available.VA Military Sexual Trauma Support: Contact your local VA Medical Center and ask to speak with the Military Sexual Trauma Coordinator. Care is available regardless of discharge status.Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988, then press 1, or text 838255 for confidential support 24/7.RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-HOPE (4673) or online chat at rainn.org.Be sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever you listen to podcasts.Learn more about the Reveille and Retreat Project: reveilleandretreatproject.orgInstagram: @reveilleandretreatprojectFacebook: Reveille and Retreat ProjectYou aren’t alone.If you’re thinking about hurting yourself or having thoughts of suicide, contact the Veteran crisis line: Dial 988 then press 1, chat online, or text 838255.