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STORIES

Lisa Ducharme

Veteran

Where were you when you first heard about or saw the 9/11 terrorist attacks?

The Pentagon.

How did the events of that day shape your life and inspire your service to this country?

9/11 had a bigger impact than I imagined, because for me it was another day at work. However, my path was defined by 9/11 without me knowing it. When I retired from the Air Force, I didn't use a single veterans resource, but I think it's important that we use them. It wasn't until I was laid off in 2012, that I was fortunate to find The Mission Continues, and that set me on my path to helping ensure veterans use all the resources available to us. I do this through my work at Westfield State University, where I take care of my students who are military-connected, through Club House, where I go on with two other retired women veterans, where we talk about veteran resources and how to use your skills as a veteran, and as Executive Director, New England Veterans Chamber of Commerce, I am probably the only veteran that was involved in three terrorists acts and never once deployed.

What are you excited to contribute to your community, however you define it, for the next 20 years?

I am excited to continue to help veterans find resources, and help veteran businesses. My goal is to start a Veteran Business Outreach Center, that focuses on explaining to veterans how our military skills can benefit us in business, and how to celebrate your Veteran Pride! I always say, friends may come, and friends may go, but our military-connection is forever! I mean it! We are stronger learning from each other and we have a bond, regardless of which service we are in, that is stronger than blood.

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