CWV Book Corner, April: Army Veteran Stacey Bulluck

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 interview is with Army Veteran Stacey Bulluck, who wrote “Regaining Power Through Resilience: Don’t Let Your Brain Go Numb.”

Bulluck wrote this book to help humanity bounce back quickly from life’s challenges. She mentioned things like the weight of divorce, job loss, and children not turning out the way we thought as stress that causes our minds to go numb. The book provides tools on how to put down the weight, regain emotional balance and strengthen the inner man, which is the core of all life.

What are you doing now?

I was medically discharged after being injured in Sinai, Egypt. I was not able to walk for a few months and I had no idea after 18 years of service I would have to walk away. Today, I serve as program analyst with VHA’s National Homeless Programs Policy Office. I also am the president and CEO of Ordered Steps Incorporated, a nonprofit serving homeless women,and a for-profit company Power In Resilience, a life-coaching company.

Where and when did you serve?

I was a soldier in the U.S. Army. I began as a dental assistant, then became a dental hygienist, and moved on to leadership positions.

What was your proudest service memory?

One of my proudest moments was when, at nearly my 15-year mark, my mother passed away and my supervisor at the time was doing her best to encourage me to just give up on the military. In my MOS, promotion points stayed at the max amount and I was just 2 points shy—I’d always had a 998 out of 1000. Well, when she was moved, my new leaders highly encouraged me to go back to the promotion board because that was the only place I was not maxed out where points were concerned. I agreed and studied so hard. The one question I did get wrong, the panelist told me afterward I made him second guess his document in front of him. He said that was something a leader was able to do, make others rethink their way of doing things and he congratulated me on my upcoming promotion to staff sergeant because I had maxed out on the board points. I think all the time about that moment I could have given up and did not.

What is your inspiration for writing?

My own life motivated me. This was my life for a decade and, when I finally put down all the weight, I was able to find self-determination in writing for others to regain their freedom.

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

My military experience gave me eyes to see outside of the box, and to be flexible. I would have to figure out what the dentist and I were going to need for treating three patients at the same time. He loved being a dentist and wanted to help everyone.

What advice would you give other women Veteran writers?

We all have a story that would help someone else and that someone is waiting specifically for your word choice, sentence structure, and perhaps quirky way of expressing yourself. Someone is waiting on you for their freedom.

How can women Veteran Authors shape society’s understanding of women Veterans’ military experience and their contributions?

There are too many untold stories of our military experience and what we have contributed to the success of the U.S. military. I believe wholeheartedly that without our stories the world is missing out.

What were some of your obstacles and challenges in writing this book?

A challenge was telling about the parts of my life that weren’t so pretty. I lived this book, but if I had not, then I would not be able to help someone else who feels stuck or cannot identify with their unique self. For whatever reason, but a lot of times, the reasons can go back to the military because it had some true moments to be defined.

What are your recommendations for illustrating, book cover selection, and the publishing process?

This question is interesting and thought-provoking. I recommend not making it too cumbersome. Get to the point, but make it eye-catching, something that may call out to a reader.

What is one significant thing we should know about you?

I am resilient. I do not tire easily. My name means “One who shall rise.” I believe all humans deserve a chance to show up as their authentic selves and be proud.

How has writing this book helped you?

I am so elated I get to share my gift of writing. I often call it my literary art displayed on a canvas in the form of a book for others to change or better their lives.

What is your favorite quote?

“When humans push through opposition, we become strong Beings.” Author ~ This Writer

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

Nina Simone. She exudes strength. Not just physically, but mentally and emotionally.

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.