April 30,2010

Hi Eli,

This is Susan from Texas, responding from my personal e-mail address. I am so sorry to hear about this, but I'm not surprised. Your status as a Native-American, female warrior, and activist make you exotic......you are unique and people want to know more. And whether you like it or not you are rising to icon status. Exploiting you gives that author a sense of power and accomplishment that she herself did not earn. I do advocate for veterans to take advantage of the GI Bill. But unfortuntly I am no fan of, or favorite of the "academics" currently making a living off of veterans in my area. They cringe every time I walk into the room, and I get the cold shoulder. It's like nothing I say could possibly be relevant or of value, because I don't hold an advanced degree. I get so tired of listening to their "theory based"analysis, of women veterans and what we need. NONE OF THEM ARE WOMEN VETS! They take a 3 hour course on military culture and all of sudden they are expects, and know more than the women that actually served. You have no idea how difficult it is for me to deal with these people and maintain a calm demenor.

Week before last, I had to take off a week from work because I was so exhausted and struggling to maintain my professional composure in my workplace. I sat at home for the whole week asking myself what is wrong with me. Why do I get so emotional over these things? Maybe I should change careers? But after some much needed rest, and little help from my friends, I decided I can handle it, and I'm not going stop advocating for vets, and hope you don't either. I know what you do is genuine, from the heart and not motivated by money. But as distasteful as it may be to you, I would suggest you consider having your pictures and work copyrighted to protect yourself. This probably won't be the last time someone will try to latch on to you to elevate themselves. I'm trying to find an organization that would expose veteran exploitations, like the one you are currently going through. I reached out to American Women Veterans, and Women Veterans of America but no response from either organization. If you have any suggestions please let me know. Take care.

Sincerely,

Susan