In California, Ashley enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 2016 as a Corpsman. She was first stationed in Chicago, IL, at Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center VA hospital, where Ashley primarily worked as the clerk for the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES), Medical Boards, and Limited Duty. Ashley successfully completed Field Medical Training in Camp Lejeune, NC, in 2019 and was stationed at II MEF (Marine Expeditionary Force), where she took pride in being the main Corpsman in her unit during the COVID-19 pandemic on base. Ashley took the liberty to work on weekends to ensure that all Marines and Sailors were well taken care of. Two months before her contract ended in March 2022, Ashley decided that she wanted to submit a VA disability claim, so she learned the steps and the process required to file it. When her rating came back as 100% P&T, she felt blessed and grateful, knowing she wanted to help many other Veterans achieve it as well. Ashley truly believes that they’ve all earned it.
The camaraderie Ashley felt throughout her time in service and as a Veteran has impacted her life in many ways. Although Ashley went to trade school as a Cosmetologist before enlisting, she decided that finding work in helping Veterans and the armed forces meant more to the country. Ashley realized her entire experience in the Navy came back in full circle when she began working at a MEPS on the same base where she completed her Corpsman training, almost seven years later! Ashley never thought her career path would change into something she is very proud of and enjoys doing. If Ashley can make a difference and impact a Veteran’s life, she knows she has given back.
