Bonnie Wilson, a 28-year-old Bakersfield College student, has become an active member in the BC Veterans Club.
After two years of service in the Navy, Wilson is back in Bakersfield working to rebuild her life. “I can’t say I didn’t like it, but I didn’t agree with a lot of things that were happening,” she said. “Military lifestyle is totally different.”
Wilson experienced severe Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome while in the Navy.
“I would have incidents and episodes that happened frequently,” she said. “It really started to scare me.”
The transition back to normal life with the PTSD was a struggle for Wilson. “I had a meltdown,” she said. “I lost everything. I’m 28 and fighting to get my life back.”
Wilson began attending NAMI Veterans meetings for support.
“I don’t know where I would be without this support,” she said.
“We all help each other out. For example, I was having a hard time getting knee braces I needed from the Veterans Affairs. I brought this up in NAMI and someone suggested I contact the Wounded Heroes Foundation. They were able to help me with it.”
The group supports one another, shares stories, and relates to each other. According to Wilson, they have been a huge impact in her transition to going back to Bakersfield College.
After NAMI, Wilson wanted to become more active and joined the Veterans Club on campus.
“It feels like I’m making a difference, like I have a purpose,” she said. “I don’t think people really know about our club. We want to get the word out.”
The Veterans Club wants to become more active on campus. “On Veterans Day we want to sell flags and earn money to help with our group. We want to help with the Food Pantry.”
The club is for anyone on Bakersfield College’s campus who wants to support veterans.
“I’m not dogging the system, but veterans need more support,” she said. “Bakersfield College’s Veterans Club wants to help contribute and do their part.
The club can be contacted by sending a message on Facebook to BakersfieldCollegeVeterans Club.