Alexis Nelson, a U.S. Army National Guard veteran, recently received recognition from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs regarding a service-related injury. (Courtesy photo)

MARQUETTE COUNTY — In the most recent “I Am a Veteran” story, the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency has highlighted Alexis Nelson, a U.S. Army National Guard veteran from the Upper Peninsula who endured a service-related injury and recently received recognition from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

With assistance from a MVAA veteran service officer, Nelson was granted a 100% disability rating after years of physical and mental health challenges. The “I Am a Veteran” campaign aims to motivate veterans to identify, tell their stories and get connected to the benefits they earned for their service.

“I still stutter when I call myself a veteran,” Nelson said. “However, I raised my hand and swore that oath and I want people to know that they’re not alone and their stories matter, too, because I spent so long thinking that my story didn’t matter.”

While growing up in a small town in the U.P., Nelson always knew she wanted to join the military. Her grandfathers served in the Army, Air Force and Marine Corps and she wanted to follow in their footsteps, but most importantly, she wanted to be the first female in her family to serve. As a present to herself, she enlisted into the Army National Guard on her 17th birthday.

Soon enough, Nelson went to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, in May 2013 to begin basic training. During her physical fitness test, just under a mile in the run, her life would change in an instant when her hips locked up and immense pain radiated through her body.

Nelson finished the run without maxing and was sent to the athletic trainer. After multiple tests and doctor examinations, she was diagnosed with stress fractures in both hips. She then spent time completing her high school education and resting so she could return to basic training.

By the time she was supposed to return to Fort Leonard Wood, her fractures had not healed enough and she was given a general medical discharge. This unexpected discharge completely altered Nelson’s life and was detrimental to her mental health.

“I came home feeling like a complete failure, embarrassed to tell my story and would cringe when someone would thank me for my service because in my head I didn’t feel as though I achieved anything,” Nelson said. “I fell into a major depression with severe anxiety, constantly feeling lost and hopeless.”

Trying to figure out a new life path and career plan, Nelson went to college to obtain a degree in criminal justice. She finished college but never pursued a career within the criminal justice system because her true passion lies elsewhere. Once again, she returned to the question of what her life was meant to be.

Nelson fell into severe depression, alcohol and substance use and she attempted suicide. It would take years for her to receive therapy and begin recovery. On Jan. 1, Nelson celebrated three years of sobriety.

“It was a very dark time and when I was 18 years old, I felt like I went from having the whole world ahead of me to having what felt like nothing,” Nelson said. “This went on for several years and then while I was bartending at my local VFW, I told myself I was going to wake up on New Year’s Day sober and never look back.”

Nelson’s grandfather was previously a post member at their local VFW and she decided to work there part-time to help pick up some extra money. While working there, she often saw and chatted with Eric Martin, Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency’s veteran service officer. One day, she summoned the courage to sit down with him and tell her story.

“Knowing what he did for work, I finally opened up to him about my story, why I never considered myself to be a veteran and how I was even embarrassed to tell him my story,” Nelson said. “Eric was floored and told me that I need to work with him to get something, anything resolved; that’s where our journey began.”

Due to working multiple jobs, Nelson did not have much free time, so Martin worked with her schedule and frequently met with her at the VFW post. Martin made sure all documents were prepared and questions were answered.

“I didn’t have to go into his office, schedule an appointment or wait around for answers,” Nelson said. “Anytime I needed anything, he was right there.”

After working together initially, Nelson was grateful to have received a 50% disability rating from the VA. Unfortunately, her mental and physical health continued to decline and she expressed these concerns to Martin. Martin suggested a re-evaluation and soon after that, Nelson sat back down with a doctor to re-evaluate her mental health.

While driving to work one morning, Nelson unexpectedly got a request from Martin that she come by his office. Knowing it must be something important, she quickly stopped by and anticipated the worst. As she sat down, Martin slid a letter across his desk notifying Nelson had been granted a 100% rating.

“When I saw the 100% it was something that I never thought in a million years would happen,” Nelson said. “It not only made me feel like I was actually being taken serious for what had happened, but it also opened up a lot of avenues for my life.”

Since September, Nelson has been able to step back from a tight work schedule to focus on bodybuilding, prioritizing her health and achieving her aspiration of moving out of Michigan to explore the world.

“All of these trials were like side quests to lead me to exactly where I needed to be,” Nelson said. “You’re finally able to be the person you’ve always wanted to be, and even though you know you’re not perfect yet, you’re so much better than what you were.”

The MVAA is the central coordinating agency, providing support, care, advocacy and service to veterans and their families. As a state agency, MVAA works to identify and break down barriers veterans face in employment, education, health care and quality of life, to make Michigan a great place for veterans and their families to call home. More information about MVAA is available at www.michigan.gov/mvaa.