Amanda Tallman

Merging Vets and Players came to Phoenix almost a year ago, and I was filled with excitement, but hesitation and fear filled my mind. As a female veteran, I didn't always have the best experience with my male counterparts in the Army. I was raped during my service to our country by another Soldier. I had engaged in some veteran activities but tried to connect mostly with females. It was less threatening that way. Merging Vets and Players changed my life and helped me to realize the impact I could make in the veteran space.

Last year made all the difference when I joined Merging Vets and Players. I experienced healing I never imagined could happen. The funny thing is I was a therapist when MVP started in Phoenix. I had been in therapy for over eight years. When I experienced the safety of the huddle, changes began to happen in me that I hadn't experienced in all my years of therapy or even getting my master's degree in social work and studying trauma. The relationships I began to form gave me new confidence.

This year I have taken steps I didn't even know were possible. The relationships I've formed at MVP helped me run my first event for a small nonprofit, bringing horses and veterans/first responders together with horses. I took a job as a state strategic director with a veteran organization with a high population of men and work with men almost daily. I decided to make a difference to help reform veterans' healthcare because of my own experiences at the VA that I was scared to speak about because I had been dismissed so many times.

Suzi has been a tremendous mental health resource and personally and professionally encouraged me. After I shared at a community huddle, a professional athlete told me he was grateful I shared and encouraged me to keep sharing. I have had so many breakthrough moments, and MVP is to thank for that. I wouldn't be here today making an impact for change in the veteran community if I had not experienced the changes in my life through MVP. MVP helps not only the veteran and athlete but also helps their families, their communities, and our country.