Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Romero

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?

My Journey: From Soldier to Advocate

I spent 16.5 years in the military. From age 17 to 34, I spent my formative years in the military. Leaving the service brought on challenges I wasn’t fully prepared for. Transitioning to civilian life was tough, especially with PTSD and moral injury weighing heavily on me. I hit some of my lowest points after leaving, including filing for bankruptcy and a suicide attempt in 2014. These moments tested me in ways I never imagined, but they also shaped the person I’ve become today.

I found healing through veteran retreats, connecting with others who shared similar experiences. This community helped me realize that I wasn’t alone, and that support became a lifeline. As I healed, I began to turn my focus outward, becoming an advocate for veterans like myself. Since July 2020, I’ve worked to support veterans who’ve experienced sexual trauma, faced deportation for nonviolent crimes, or struggled with mental health issues. This advocacy led me to contribute to important legislative efforts, like the Military Justice Improvement and Increasing Prevention Act and The Brandon Act, which were huge milestones in my work.

Now, I serve as Senior Vice President / Director of Marketing of GenVETS, Inc., a national Veteran Service Organization dedicated to supporting today’s greatest generations of veterans and their families. My role involves everything from marketing strategy to collaborating on mental health resources that truly meet the needs of veterans.

Looking back, the journey has been hard, but it’s also been meaningful. I’ve made it my mission to become the person I needed during my struggles, and that’s what drives me every day. Helping others find their voice, and fighting for those who often go unheard, gives me a sense of purpose that continues to push me forward.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

Along the way, I’ve faced significant struggles, both personally and professionally. Managing my mental health, particularly PTSD and moral injury, has been an ongoing challenge, often leaving me feeling isolated and overwhelmed. Being a single mother to three daughters has added another layer of difficulty, as I’ve had to balance providing for them while battling my trauma. Financial pressures and health setbacks, like injuries from a car accident, only made things harder. Beyond that, finding a new purpose after leaving the military was incredibly difficult. I struggled to rediscover a sense of meaning in my life that could match the fulfillment I found in service.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?

As the Director of Marketing for GenVETs, Inc. a national veteran service organization, I help ensure veterans receive the benefits they’ve earned. My role focuses on advocating for veterans, building community awareness, and developing outreach programs that provide essential support during their transition from military to civilian life. I’m also deeply committed to educating social workers, veteran peer support specialists, and clinicians on the topic of moral injury—a subject that resonates with me as a retired Army Master Sergeant and veteran advocate.

I specialize in addressing moral injury and trauma, with a particular focus on veterans. My background in military service and advocacy for sexual assault survivors has shaped my understanding of the profound moral and psychological injuries many veterans experience. I’m recognized for my transparency, resilience, and willingness to confront difficult issues, which allows me to build meaningful connections with both veterans and professionals in the mental health community.

What sets me apart is my first-hand experience with the challenges veterans face, coupled with my unwavering commitment to helping others heal. Having personally navigated recovery from PTSD and moral injury, I bring a unique perspective to my work. Through my healing journey, supported by organizations like the Heroic Hearts Project, Save a Warrior and Resilient Village, I’ve witnessed the transformative power of this work. Now, I’m passionate about sharing my story and guiding other veterans toward the resources and support that can help them heal.

One of the accomplishments I’m most proud of is my advocacy for veterans’ mental health and benefits. Not only do I help veterans access the benefits they’ve earned, but I also work to create a supportive community around them. I’m particularly proud to champion the recognition and treatment of moral injury, ensuring that this often-overlooked aspect of veterans’ experiences receives the attention it deserves.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?

People can support our work at GenVETs, Inc a nonprofit 501(c)(3), in several ways. As we rely on public support, donations are crucial to helping us continue providing free, pro bono services to veterans in need. Your contributions directly impact the lives of veterans by ensuring they receive the benefits, advocacy, and support they deserve. In addition to financial donations, we welcome collaborations with individuals and organizations who share our commitment to veterans. Whether through volunteer work, partnerships, or simply spreading the word, there are many ways to get involved and help us make a difference.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://GenVETS.org
• Instagram: Genvetsinc
• Other: https://travelsforchocolate.com