CWV Book Corner, January 2023: Army Veteran, Dr. Estacy Colon Porter

Each month, VA’s Center for Women Veterans profiles a different woman Veteran author as part of its Women Veteran Authors Book Corner. This month’s author is Army Veteran Dr. Estacy Colon Porter, a first-generation Garifuna-American who served for 22 years.

Dr. Porter wrote the book “It’s Not the Same: Self-Care strategies to step into your healing with Grit, Grace and Resilience.” She writes about the process of grief and loss not solely based on physical death but grief and loss of self, relationships which transforms us. In her book, she shares the anatomy of our tears, the Garifuna communal way of grieving as well as holistic modalities to consider in your healing journey.

What are you doing now?

I own my own training and consulting business and manage a non-profit called Jewel in His Eyes that empowers women, girl, nurses, and Veterans to be the healthiest version of themselves. I am enjoying spending time with my family while traveling for Medical and Education Missions in Honduras.

Where and when did you serve?

I joined the Army in 1995 and retired in 2018. I initially served as a chemical operations specialist for 13 years with my last position being an instructor for the Department of Defense Chemical Defense Training Facility. I then transitioned into the nursing profession courtesy of the Army Enlisted Commissioning Program and culminated my career as the Chief of Preventive Medicine.

What was your proudest service memory?

Serving as not only the NBC NCO but also the Family Readiness Liaison during the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom. I enjoyed communicating with family members and informing them of resources to navigate while their loved ones are away.

What was your inspiration for becoming an author?

The inspiration began as a young girl who found solace in reading many genres from various authors like Judy Blume, Langston Hughes to Nora Roberts and many more.

How has your military experience shaped your creativity or how you express yourself?

I joined under the motto “Be all that you can be” and that’s exactly what I did. The military provided me the self-confidence I needed to become who I could be in the society. I was placed in situations that challenged my limiting belief and expanded my thought process.

What advice would you give other women Veterans who may be considering becoming an author? You are so capable of becoming an author. You have a story that needs to be shared. Start writing. If you’re unable to write, voice record and have it transcribed. Connect to other authors for inspiration, motivation, and accountability.

How can women Veteran Authors shape society’s understanding of women Veterans’ military experience and their contributions? There is a constant need to raise awareness of our presence and value that we have brough to the military.  I would say by plugging ourselves in places and spaces where our voices need to be heard. Contact local newspapers and stations. Contact schools and request to speak to students.

What were some of your obstacles and challenges in writing this book? Writing heals me. Obstacles and challenges ranged from brain fog, other competing priorities because life is happening, and I have to attend to other needs.

What are your recommendations for illustrating, book cover selection, and the publishing process? I would encourage you to take time to be clear on what you desire. Be open to others suggestion but also have an idea of what you want.  There’s and application called FIVERR where you can hire help for your book needs. If you’re looking to self-publish, there are several platforms you can use. I used amazon. You can go through amazon or ingram sparks. I highly recommend you create an author’s page for your book and a place you can receive direct payment such as stripe, PayPal, etc..

What is one significant thing we should know about you?

I serve where I am planted. 

How has writing this book helped you?

The process of writing this book helped me grieve and heal areas that needed to be released. It also helped me dig deeper and research evidence-based resources to ensure I provided the best content for the reader.

What is your favorite quote? “Not enjoyment, Not sorrow is our destined end or way but to act that each tomorrow brings us farther than today.” – Henry Wadsworth.

If you could choose one woman from any point in time to share a meal with, who would she be?

The late and honorable Shirley Chisholm.

Are you a woman Veteran author, or do you know of one?

If so, please visit our website to find out more information.  If you have further questions, contact the CWV Outreach Program Manager, Michelle Terry at Michelle.Terry2@VA.gov.