Erin McLoughlin, US Army Veteran and our November 2018 Missilette

Serving Veterinary Duties in a War Zone

At at the age of 22, Erin was the only Veterinary Technician during her deployment time supporting OIF II in 2006.  Serving 3 different locations across the Middle East, she was the sole support to all working dogs in country, and the main veterinary support for the Baghdad Zoo.  While battles were occurring in and around the Zoo, Erin helped to relocate the animals into their enclosures and rehabilitate their wellbeing.  Her efforts helped to create a safe place for the people of Iraq during a time when their lives were ridden with war and destruction.

Facing the Unthinkable: Military Sexual Trauma

Erin is a survivor of sexual trauma.  War brought many changes to her life in both world and personal views.  While Erin was deployed, she was assaulted by Iraqi local nationals.  On her path to recovery, she realized that a key issue was her ability to be honest about her experiences, good and bad.   As she worked through her own trauma, she discovered a passion and drive to walk with other survivors on their recovery paths.

The last seven years of Erin's life have been devoted to the academic study of the sub-human trafficking world.  Erin teaches complex subject matter to men who are caught soliciting women on the street - she’s counseled gang members and high income doctors alike, helping them to overcome their class and social differences and raising the awareness of human trafficking.

"You can lead the life you deserve, regardless of the sexual trauma."

Finding the Courage to Speak out

“We don’t have to be quiet about these experiences," she says.  “Every experience is different and every story deserves to be told.  No matter what your story is, I stand with you and there are other people out there who will also stand with you.  No matter how dark it gets, there is always a light.  It may be tiny, but it’s there to carry you forward.  What you have to do is use what happens to you to empower yourself and use it to help other people.  We are put here to help other people.”

SPECIAL THANKS TO JAMES MACCONNACHIE AND HIS TEAM AT 
US FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.  FOR SPONSORING THIS MONTH'S MISSILETTE!  AS A RESULT OF THEIR GENEROSITY, ERIN'S STORY IS BEING TOLD AND
HOPEFULLY INCREASING THE MENTAL RESILIENCY OF OUR FEMALE AMERICAN HEROES.