Reason & Respect - Veteran and Military Women Who Served

This session will focus on the experiences of women in the military, aiming to raise awareness and break down barriers. Learn about their personal stories and challenges and gain insights into what it means to be a woman in the military. 

Deidre Tomlinson is a 2023 SUNY Empire alumna and a dedicated mother of three. Deidre served in the Army during Desert Storm. After her military service, she earned an associate degree in nursing and worked in healthcare. Her passion for lifelong learning led her to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Allied Health at SUNY Empire.

Mary Potter is an Air Force Veteran and MVOP participant, is pursuing a Master of Arts in Teaching at SUNY Empire. She works at BOCES, supporting students with disabilities and mental health issues. Passionate about helping others, she also rehabilitates abused or neglected horses on her farm in her free time.

Michele Johnson is a 2019 SUNY Empire alumna and an Army Veteran. She began her military service in 1978 as a Unit Supply Specialist in Germany and later became a Drill Instructor. After her military career, she worked as a Corrections Officer and Deputy Sheriff and held various case management roles. She also mentors and supports Veterans and First Responders with PTSD on their healing journeys.